US lawmakers Demand Envoy's Sacking Amid Leak of Kremlin Call Exposing Cozy Ties with Russia
A barrage of criticism has been directed at US special envoy Steve Witkoff over leaked recording of a phone call between him and Vladimir Putin's top foreign policy aide, Yuri Ushakov. In the conversation, it appears that Witkoff coached Moscow on how to handle Donald Trump, revealing a level of coordination between American officials and a adversary.
Some Republican lawmakers have seized on the leak, calling for Witkoff's immediate dismissal. Rep. Don Bacon (R-NE) has demanded his removal from office, stating that Witkoff "cannot be trusted to lead these negotiations" and would allegedly do less than a Russian agent hired by Moscow.
Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), another Republican representative, has expressed similar sentiments, describing the leak as "a major problem" that highlights the need for transparency in diplomatic dealings. He urged Secretary of State Marco Rubio to be allowed to conduct US foreign policy without interference from unnamed officials.
On the other hand, Democratic Rep. Ted Lieu (D-CA) has taken a more extreme stance, labeling Witkoff an "actual traitor" who should not be working for the United States but rather on behalf of Russia.
The leaked recording reveals that Witkoff suggested Moscow gain control of Donetsk and potentially additional Ukrainian territory in order to achieve peace. This proposal has sparked outrage among US lawmakers, with many condemning the apparent lack of oversight over diplomatic efforts.
It remains to be seen whether President Trump will heed the calls for Witkoff's removal, or if he will continue to defend his envoy as a "dealmaker" who simply navigates complex negotiations in pursuit of peace. The controversy surrounding this incident highlights the need for increased transparency and accountability within the US government.
As tensions between Russia and Ukraine escalate, the revelation that American officials are coaching Moscow on how to handle Trump has raised questions about the integrity of US diplomacy under his administration. With calls growing louder for Witkoff's dismissal, it remains to be seen whether this leak will spark meaningful reforms in the White House or if it will simply become another footnote in a long-running saga of controversy and scandal.
A barrage of criticism has been directed at US special envoy Steve Witkoff over leaked recording of a phone call between him and Vladimir Putin's top foreign policy aide, Yuri Ushakov. In the conversation, it appears that Witkoff coached Moscow on how to handle Donald Trump, revealing a level of coordination between American officials and a adversary.
Some Republican lawmakers have seized on the leak, calling for Witkoff's immediate dismissal. Rep. Don Bacon (R-NE) has demanded his removal from office, stating that Witkoff "cannot be trusted to lead these negotiations" and would allegedly do less than a Russian agent hired by Moscow.
Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), another Republican representative, has expressed similar sentiments, describing the leak as "a major problem" that highlights the need for transparency in diplomatic dealings. He urged Secretary of State Marco Rubio to be allowed to conduct US foreign policy without interference from unnamed officials.
On the other hand, Democratic Rep. Ted Lieu (D-CA) has taken a more extreme stance, labeling Witkoff an "actual traitor" who should not be working for the United States but rather on behalf of Russia.
The leaked recording reveals that Witkoff suggested Moscow gain control of Donetsk and potentially additional Ukrainian territory in order to achieve peace. This proposal has sparked outrage among US lawmakers, with many condemning the apparent lack of oversight over diplomatic efforts.
It remains to be seen whether President Trump will heed the calls for Witkoff's removal, or if he will continue to defend his envoy as a "dealmaker" who simply navigates complex negotiations in pursuit of peace. The controversy surrounding this incident highlights the need for increased transparency and accountability within the US government.
As tensions between Russia and Ukraine escalate, the revelation that American officials are coaching Moscow on how to handle Trump has raised questions about the integrity of US diplomacy under his administration. With calls growing louder for Witkoff's dismissal, it remains to be seen whether this leak will spark meaningful reforms in the White House or if it will simply become another footnote in a long-running saga of controversy and scandal.