During the conversation, which took place on October 14 and lasted just over five minutes, Witkoff presented Ushakov with his suggestions on how the Russian president could discuss this topic with Donald Trump. He pointed out, among others: the possibility of organizing a telephone conversation between Trump and Putin before Volodymyr Zelensky's visit to the White House, scheduled for the end of the week. Witkoff also suggested using the success of the Gaza agreement as a starting point for talks on Ukraine.
During the conversation, Witkoff expressed his appreciation for Putin, emphasizing that, in his opinion, Russia has always strived for peace. He also noted that he had informed Donald Trump about his beliefs on this issue.
The US envoy mentioned Zelensky's upcoming visit to Washington, suggesting that Putin could contact Trump before the event. “Zelensky will come to the White House on Friday,” Witkoff said, adding that he planned to be present at the meeting.
Ushakov asked whether a phone call between Putin and Trump would be useful. Witkoff confirmed that it would be a good decision. He also recommended that the Russian leader congratulate Trump on his success in the Gaza Strip, stressing that Russia supports the agreement, and express respect for the American president as a “man of peace.”
Witkoff also suggested that Putin, in his conversation with Trump, refer to the 20-point peace plan developed by the US, which could be adapted to the Ukrainian situation. Ushakov apparently took some of these tips into account, declaring that Putin would congratulate Trump and call him a “true pacifist.”
Two days later, at the request of Russia, there was a telephone conversation between Trump and Putin. The American president described it as “very productive”. After the conversation, he announced plans to meet Putin in Budapest, although the summit has not yet taken place. Trump also mentioned that the Russian leader congratulated him on the Gaza agreement.
However, it is unclear exactly what proposals Russia made during the conversation or to what extent they influenced the final 28-point action plan that was later presented. Both the White House and the Kremlin did not comment on the matter.
