Trump envoy Accused of Sharing Negotiating Advice with Russia, complicating Ukraine Peace Talks
Geneva, November 25, 2025 – A developing controversy threatens to derail ongoing peace negotiations between Ukraine and Russia, with allegations surfacing that a special envoy appointed by former President Trump may have advised russian officials on strategy regarding a proposed peace plan. The accusations center around Richard Witkoff, and were made by Matthew Bacon, a source familiar with the discussions, who claims Witkoff “fully supports the Russians” and is untrustworthy, demanding his dismissal.
The situation unfolds as multiple peace proposals circulate. Ukrainian Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Serhiy Kislytsya revealed Monday evening the progress of a new 19-point peace plan crafted by Ukrainian and American negotiators, differing significantly from Trump’s original 28-point plan.It remains unclear if a peace proposal announced by a US official Tuesday aligns with this 19-point plan.
Together,US Secretary of State for military affairs Dan Driscoll held talks with Russian officials in Abu Dhabi on Monday,focusing on a plan to end the war,according to a US official speaking to CNN.Russia has indicated a willingness to consider elements of Trump’s original 28-point plan, stating “not all, but many of its elements are acceptable to us,” with putin suggesting it could serve as a basis for a final settlement.However, the Kremlin dismissed a European counter-proposal as ”absolutely not constructive and not workable,” according to Yuri Ushakov, Putin’s foreign policy advisor.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has signaled potential rejection of any revised plan lacking elements of Russia’s previous demands, and emphasized the importance of reflecting the spirit of the Trump-Putin meeting in Alaska.
Trump’s original 28-point plan, details of which have emerged despite not being fully publicized, reportedly included allowing Russia to retain occupied territories – nearly a fifth of Ukraine, totaling 110,000 square kilometers – and possibly acquire additional portions of Donetsk County. This contrasts with Ukrainian President Zelensky’s firm stance that “borders cannot be changed by force” and that Russia must fully compensate Ukraine for the war.
Negotiations between Trump and Zelenskyi are expected to focus on territorial issues and Ukraine’s future NATO membership within the 19-point plan, though the extent to which these points were included in the US-proposed agreement remains unknown.
