Putin defends US special envoy Witkoff amid leaked talks scandal

Commenting on the scandal over leaked conversations between Witkoff and his aide, Yuri Ushakov, Putin said the leaks could be either fake or true.

He said that after his Alaska visit and meeting with US President Donald Trump, both countries had a shared understanding of what needed to be done to stop hostilities. However, Washington suddenly announced sanctions against Rosneft and Lukoil.

"In connection with what? Honestly, I didn't even understand what was happening. So there's no reason to accuse Mr. Witkoff of being overly friendly with his Russian colleagues. We talked, we met," he added.

Also, in Putin's view, it would be strange if Witkoff, in conversations with Ushakov, "had cursed Russia with obscene language and said something extremely unkind" and then travelled to Moscow to try to improve relations and strengthen negotiating positions.

"I've known Mr. Witkoff for several months, and his friendship with President Trump has lasted many years, possibly decades. He is an American citizen, defending the position of his President and his country. Yes, our dialogue is difficult. Yes, we conduct this dialogue without cursing or spitting at each other, like civilized people. But everyone defends their own position," Putin said.

He added that Witkoff is delegated for negotiations with Russia not only by Trump's team but also by people from the US military, diplomatic corps, and administrative bodies.

Witkoff scandal

This week, Bloomberg published a transcript of a conversation between US President's special envoy Steve Witkoff and Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov.

During the talks, Witkoff requested negotiations between US President Donald Trump and Russian leader Vladimir Putin.

The US special envoy also advised Putin on how to please Trump and what he could praise the American leader for.

More details on the scandal are available in the material by RBC-Ukraine.