I asked ChatGPT: Examine the roll of Steve Witkoff as Trump’s principal envoy to Russia in support of negotiating a Ukraine-Russia peace deal. Is he an honest broker? Is he even-handed between Russia and Ukraine?
Here’s the response:
Short answer: based on the published leaks and reporting, Steve Witkoff does not look like an even-handed, independent “honest broker.” The available evidence shows a clear tilt toward coaching and accommodating the Kremlin — and little public sign he’s been doing the same kind of hard-nosed, equal treatment with Kyiv. Bloomberg+2The Guardian+2
Why I reach that conclusion (evidence + interpretation)
• The leaked October calls published by Bloomberg show Witkoff coaching a senior Kremlin aide (Yuri Ushakov) on how Putin should present a U.S. peace proposal to Donald Trump — including framing and proposed concessions such as recognizing Russian control over Donetsk and other territory. That is not neutral shuttle-diplomacy; it reads as active advocacy for a Russia-friendly outcome. Bloomberg+1
• The transcripts include personal deference to Putin and tactical advice on how Russia should flatter and approach Trump. Multiple outlets (Bloomberg, Guardian, FT, Le Monde, AP, Reuters) report the same pattern: Witkoff advising the Russian side how to “pitch” the plan to the U.S. president rather than, for example, pressing Moscow on steps Ukraine requires to restore its sovereignty. That pattern strongly suggests partiality. Bloomberg+2The Guardian+2
• There’s little public evidence in the reporting that Witkoff provided comparable coaching or tough engagement to Ukrainian officials (or that he has been mediating fairly between the parties). Ukraine has publicly pushed back on territorial concessions and insists it won’t cede land; the leaks show Moscow-leaning language but not counterpart transcripts showing parallel pressure on Russia. That absence matters for judging even-handedness. AP News+1
• U.S. political reaction and reporting reflect concern. Some Republicans and U.S. officials have criticized Witkoff’s apparent pro-Russian posture; the White House has defended the approach as “standard negotiation,” but the substance of the leaked calls and the Kremlin’s warm reception raise real questions about balance and U.S. credibility as a mediator. The Guardian+1
What “honest broker” would mean here — and where Witkoff falls short
An honest broker usually: (1) maintains demonstrable independence from both sides, (2) pushes both parties to accept difficult concessions, (3) refrains from advocacy that privileges one side’s maximal claims, and (4) keeps channels open and transparent with allied partners. The leaked conversations show Witkoff doing #2-style advocacy for Moscow’s framing and #3 in tone and content, while reporting shows limited visible, symmetric engagement with Kyiv or European partners. That combination undercuts the honest-broker standard. Bloomberg+1
Risks and practical implications
• Credibility: If the U.S. envoy appears to be coaching Russia, Kyiv and U.S. allies will distrust U.S. proposals and may refuse to negotiate under U.S. auspices. Al Jazeera
• Leverage: Advising Moscow how to frame demands may strengthen Russian negotiating positions without extracting reciprocal concessions. Bloomberg
• Political backlash: Domestic political criticism reduces flexibility and can complicate delivering a durable deal that Congress and partners will accept. The Guardian
A balanced caveat
Reporting so far is based on leaked transcripts and contemporary news coverage. The White House and some involved parties have characterized parts of this as normal negotiating tactics; defenders say low-profile intermediaries sometimes coach both sides. That said, the public record as reported shows asymmetry in who Witkoff coached and the substance of advice — and that asymmetry is what informs the judgment above. Bloomberg+1
Practical recommendations (if the goal is a credible U.S. mediation)
- Put career State Department/federal negotiators and allied partners front and center (to restore balance and expertise).
- Publish a clear negotiating framework and involve Ukraine and European partners at every stage so any plan cannot be framed as unilateral concessions.
- Make delegations transparent and include dual reporting to Congress and allies to rebuild trust.
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Questions remain: Why is Trump so blatantly supporting a war criminal invader of a struggling democracy in Europe, and neglecting the implications of rewarding this war criminal for his acts of territorial conquest, threatening the security of all of Europe?
Sources:
Waipahu Bob 