Bloomberg reveals recordings of negotiations between Vitkoff and Ushakov: how the future “peace plan” was discussed

Bloomberg published a transcript of a conversation between US special envoy Steve Witkoff and Putin’s advisor Yuri Ushakov. The recording shows the structure of behind-the-scenes consultations that accompanied the preparation of a new peace plan. Witkoff, according to the text, directly suggests how to formulate an appeal to elicit a favorable reaction from Trump.

The conversation took place on October 14 — literally right after the signing of the agreement between Israel and Hamas. Witkoff advised Ushakov to initiate a call before Zelensky’s visit to the White House to fit into the diplomatic schedule. On the same day, Trump criticized Putin, noting that the continuation of the war weakens his position. The context was tense, and every word mattered.

On October 16, Trump and Putin held a phone conversation. After it, a possible meeting in Budapest was announced. The very next day, Zelensky arrived in Washington — the sequence of events was too tight to be considered coincidental. Meanwhile, the recording shows that Moscow and Washington were trying to synchronize their steps.

In the dialogue itself, Witkoff proposes a structure of 20 points, similar to the “Gaza plan.” Ushakov responds that the idea could be raised at the highest level. Witkoff also hints at compromises, including possible territorial formats, without specifying details. Bloomberg does not disclose the source of the recording but notes that it previously published a conversation between Ushakov and Kirill Dmitriev, where they discussed the Kremlin’s version of the plan.

Trump, commenting on the publication, stated that he “had not heard the recording, but there is nothing surprising here.” According to him, negotiations always include an exchange of ideas, and each side must promote its agenda. He emphasized that Ukraine has no time limit, and that a key step from Moscow would be a ceasefire. European partners, according to Trump, should take on part of the security guarantees.

Trump’s team has a busy schedule ahead. He instructed Witkoff to go to Moscow for a meeting with Putin, while the US Secretary of the Army is to visit Kyiv. Trump expresses hope for a trilateral meeting — with Zelensky and Putin — when the document approaches its final version.

The project, which was previously published, included elections in Ukraine and a renunciation of NATO. The new version, according to media reports, consists of 19 points and does not include restrictions on the size of the Armed Forces of Ukraine or amnesty for war crimes. Moscow considers the initial plan a suitable starting point, but has not yet received updated proposals.

And it is precisely such details — behind-the-scenes negotiations, transcripts, contacts through intermediaries — that form the real picture of the diplomatic process, which is important to record and analyze. This is what analysts at NAnews — News of Israel | Nikk.Agency are doing, tracking how each conversation affects the architecture of the future agreement.