A leaked audio recording, reportedly from October, has surfaced in which Witkoff is heard advising a senior Russian official on how to approach former President Trump. The transcript, shared by Bloomberg, details a conversation about ending the ongoing war, with Witkoff suggesting ways for the Russian side to appeal to Trump and proposing a potential peace plan. Trump has defended Witkoff's actions, describing the conversation as part of 'very standard' negotiations. The recording also mentions the possibility of a direct call between Trump and Putin before a planned visit by Zelensky to the White House.