In a surprising turn of events, Vladimir Putin made a direct call to Donald Trump, leading to the abrupt cancellation of the United States’ plan to send pivotal missiles to Ukraine.

This startling revelation, as detailed by the Kremlin leader’s chief foreign policy advisor to the Wall Street Journal, sheds light on Trump’s unpredictable strategy regarding the conflict that has persisted for nearly four years.

The provision of Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine would have significantly enhanced the country’s military capabilities by enabling it to target Russian military infrastructure well beyond the current battle lines.

These missiles, with their approximate 1,000-mile range and precise targeting abilities, could have struck vital Russian airbases, ammunition stores, command centers, and energy hubs that fuel its war efforts—objectives that Ukraine’s existing weaponry struggles to reach effectively.

A Bloomberg report on a leaked conversation unveiled how Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, facilitated an urgent connection between Putin and Trump ahead of a pivotal White House meeting with Ukrainian President Zelensky.

In the recorded call, Witkoff informed Yuri Ushakov, Putin’s leading foreign policy advisor, saying, “Zelensky is visiting the White House on Friday. Ideally, we should arrange the call with your leader before that meeting.”

The transcript shows Witkoff racing to connect Putin with Trump ahead of the October 19 Oval Office meeting with Zelensky. Witkoff also coached Ushakov on how Putin should approach Trump – suggesting the Russian leader praise him for the Gaza peace deal, which he later did.

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.

Russia’s President Vladimir Putin greets US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff prior to their talks in Moscow on August 6

Tomahawk missiles would have given Ukraine something it still largely lacks: the ability to strike deep into Russia’s military infrastructure, beyond the front lines

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’

Vladimir Putin picked up the phone, called Donald Trump , and swiftly killed America’s plan to send game-changing missiles to Ukraine

‘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 the 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 that 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. Representative Don Bacon said Witkoff ‘acts like he’s on Russia’s payroll’ and called for him to be fired. Representative Brian Fitzpatrick demanded that 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 on Air Force One on Tuesday, saying: ‘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.

The Daily Mail asked the White House if Tomahawks were completely off the table at this point. They did not immediately respond.