At RedState, we’ve been closely monitoring the gradual progress of the peace talks between Russia and Ukraine. Recent updates, though cautiously optimistic, suggest that there might finally be a glimmer of hope in resolving this prolonged conflict. While hostilities continue for the time being, there appears to be a potential breakthrough on the horizon.

However, in Washington, D.C., there’s been a continuous stream of leaks concerning these discussions. If anyone were intent on undermining the peace process, it’s difficult to imagine what more they might do to cause disruptions.

One significant leak involves a transcript of a phone call:

Steve Witkoff, serving as the Trump administration’s special envoy for the Middle East and peace negotiations, had a conversation that was made public. Although the content of the call isn’t particularly shocking, the fact that such a discussion between pivotal figures in the negotiations was leaked is concerning. In high-stakes negotiations, a range of topics might be debated, and it’s not unusual for Witkoff to consult with his Russian counterpart about how to engage with President Trump. So, what was the purpose of this leak? While it’s possible that the leak originated from the Russian side, it’s unclear what they might have hoped to achieve by doing so.

It seems this situation is more complex than it initially appears.

— John Hudson (@John_Hudson) November 25, 2025

Note that Steve Witkoff is the Trump administration’s special envoy for the Middle East and for peace negotiations. It’s not that much of a much, but the very fact that this call between key individuals involved with these negotiations is troubling. In negotiations like this, all manner of things may be discussed, and President Trump’s envoy talking to his Russian counterpart about how best to approach his boss isn’t unreasonable. So why leak this? And, we should remember, it’s not impossible that the leaks came from the Russian side, although it’s hard to imagine what anyone on that side could have hoped to gain from this.

I don’t think that this is an understatement.

I can’t tell you how massive a betrayal this is – not by Witkoff, but by the leaker. Ames/Hanssen/Pollard tier. https://t.co/Doho7Cqy1i

— Will Chamberlain (@willchamberlain) November 26, 2025

The negotiations, remember, have been bouncing back and forth. The first deal, supposedly Russian-endorsed, was unacceptable to both Ukraine and its EU neighbors, and anyone with enough brains to pound sand could have told us Ukraine would reject this out of hand.

But now, in the last few days, there appears to have been a breakthrough or two. It’s a tad early to get too happy, but at least there appears to be movement.