A leaked recording of a phone call between Steve Witkoff, a top adviser to President Donald Trump, and Yuri Ushakov, Russian President Vladimir Putin's foreign policy aide, has sparked controversy.
The October 14 conversation, transcribed by Bloomberg News, shows Witkoff advising Ushakov on how Putin should pitch a Ukraine peace plan to Trump.
Russian officials have strongly criticized the leak, viewing it as an attempt to sabotage ongoing discussions.
Ushakov described the leak as unacceptable and aimed at hindering U.S.-Russia talks.
He noted that some conversations occurred on encrypted channels, suggesting deliberate interception unless one party intended it.
Ushakov ruled out leaks from participants and plans to raise the issue with Witkoff.
Kirill Dmitriev, CEO of the Russian Direct Investment Fund, called a related Bloomberg report on another call fake.
Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov accused certain media of being tools in a hybrid information war by European countries against Russia, intended to undermine Washington ties.
Kommersant newspaper headlined its story on Ushakov's interview as "Who set up Steve Witkoff?"
President Trump dismissed concerns about Witkoff's interactions, calling it standard negotiation where parties must give and take.
He suggested Witkoff likely advises Ukraine similarly.
Some Republican lawmakers expressed alarm, with Rep. Don Bacon calling for Witkoff's firing, deeming him too pro-Russian.
Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick labeled it a major problem and urged stopping secret meetings.
Trump noted the war could persist for years, highlighting Russia's advantage in soldiers, and viewed a deal as beneficial for Ukraine.
The transcript shows Witkoff suggesting Putin congratulate Trump on a Middle East ceasefire, which occurred during their October 16 call.
That conversation shifted Trump's tone toward Russia.
A subsequent meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky turned tense, with Trump insisting on territorial concessions.
The talks produced a 28-point peace proposal involving Ukraine ceding territory, forgoing NATO ambitions, and limiting its army.
The plan has evolved after diplomatic meetings in Geneva and Abu Dhabi.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio called it a living document.
Witkoff is expected to travel to Moscow soon, possibly with Jared Kushner, while Army Secretary Dan Driscoll heads to Kyiv.
Trump is open to meeting Zelensky and Putin once the deal nears completion, without a firm deadline.