US Congressman calls for dismissal of envoy Witkoff over Russia ties
US Representative Don Bacon, a Republican, has called for the dismissal of Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, citing concerns over his perceived support for Russia. Bacon made the statement on X following the publication of a transcript by Bloomberg of a telephone conversation between Witkoff and Russian presidential aide Yuri Ushakov.
According to Bacon, the transcript confirms that “Witkoff fully supports Russia.” He added, “He cannot be trusted to conduct these negotiations. Would a Russian agent receiving money have done worse than him? He should be dismissed.”
The conversation in question took place on 14 October and, according to Bloomberg, saw Witkoff offering advice to Ushakov on how Russia could better present its proposals for a “peace agreement” to then-US President Donald Trump, and on how Russian President Vladimir Putin could improve his standing with the US leader.
Earlier, President Trump had announced plans for his special representative, Steve Witkoff, to travel to Moscow for talks with Putin.
