In a startling twist, Vladimir Putin reportedly made a direct call to then-President Donald Trump, effectively halting the United States’ plan to send crucial missile systems to Ukraine. This revelation, shared by Putin’s chief foreign policy advisor with the Wall Street Journal, highlights Trump’s unpredictable strategies in addressing the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, which has persisted for nearly four years. The proposed deployment of Tomahawk missiles would have significantly enhanced Ukraine’s military capabilities, allowing them to target Russia’s military infrastructure far beyond the current battle lines.

The Tomahawk missiles, known for their precision and range of approximately 1,000 miles, could have struck vital Russian military assets such as airbases, ammunition stores, command posts, and energy facilities. These targets remain largely out of reach for Ukraine’s existing weaponry. A leaked phone call, initially reported by Bloomberg, revealed how Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, orchestrated a strategy to expedite Putin’s access to Trump before a pivotal meeting at the White House with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

In the recorded conversation, Witkoff informed Yuri Ushakov, Putin’s senior foreign-policy advisor, about Zelensky’s upcoming visit to the White House. “Zelensky is coming to the White House on Friday,” Witkoff stated, urging a timely call between Putin and Trump before the scheduled meeting. The transcript details Witkoff’s efforts to facilitate a conversation between Putin and Trump ahead of the October 19 Oval Office meeting with Zelensky. Additionally, Witkoff advised Ushakov on how to approach Trump, suggesting that Putin commend the U.S. President for the Gaza peace deal, a gesture that was subsequently made by the Russian leader.

Two days before meeting Zelensky, Trump spoke with Putin. On that call, Putin warned that sending Tomahawks would harm US-Russia relations. Trump reversed course on the missiles. ‘Putin has greater influence because of many deals going way back… Witkoff has been dealing with the Russians for decades. As the transcript shows, he even advises the Kremlin how to engage with POTUS ,’ a former diplomat deeply involved with European affairs told Daily Mail.

A second diplomat still at the State Department said it’s ‘obvious what side the administration is leaning towards at this point’, though it ‘seems to change every day.’ Bloomberg reported the talks helped shape an initial 28-point peace proposal heavily favoring Russian interests, later reduced to 19 points.

Republican lawmakers are now in open revolt. Rep. Don Bacon said Witkoff ‘acts like he’s on Russia’s payroll’ and called for him to be fired. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick demanded Trump let Secretary of State Marco Rubio handle diplomacy ‘in a fair and objective manner.’ ‘This is a major problem. And one of the many reasons why these ridiculous side shows and secret meetings need to stop,’ Fitzpatrick said.

Trump defended his envoy Tuesday on Air Force One. ‘It’s a standard thing… that’s what a dealmaker does.’ When pressed on whether Witkoff is too pro-Russian, Trump responded: ‘No. Look, I think this war could go on for years and Russia has got a lot more people. A lot more soldiers, you know? I think if Ukraine can make a deal, it’s a good thing.’

The White House insisted Witkoff is conducting similar outreach to Ukrainian officials. Daily Mail asked the White House if Tomahawks are completely off the table at this point. They did not immediately respond.