WASHINGTON D.C. – A special envoy for U.S. President Donald Trump, Steve Witkoff, advised a senior Kremlin official in a private phone call that a peace deal to end the war in Ukraine would necessitate Kyiv ceding control of the Donetsk region to Russia, according to a recording of the conversation obtained by Bloomberg. The revelation, stemming from a 14 October 2025 call, offers a stark insight into the Trump administration's diplomatic strategy and the framework of a controversial 28-point peace proposal that has since emerged.

In the discussion with Yuri Ushakov, President Vladimir Putin's top foreign policy aide, Witkoff not only outlined the necessity of territorial concessions but also coached the Kremlin official on how to frame the proposal optimistically to President Trump. "I know what it’s going to take to get a peace deal done: Donetsk and maybe a land swap somewhere," Witkoff stated, according to the transcript. He suggested focusing on a more "hopeful" tone, modeling a potential joint peace framework on a 20-point plan used in recent Gaza ceasefire negotiations.

The disclosure of this backchannel communication has intensified scrutiny of the U.S.-led peace initiative, which critics argue aligns closely with Moscow's long-standing demands and pressures Ukraine into surrendering sovereign territory in exchange for peace. The 28-point plan reportedly requires Ukraine to cede the entirety of Crimea, Luhansk, and Donetsk, freeze the current frontlines in Kherson and Zaporizhzhia, limit its military, and abandon its ambitions to join NATO.

Global Precedent and Kenyan Concerns

For Kenya and many other African nations, the principle of territorial integrity is paramount. The continent's own history is marked by borders drawn by colonial powers, a reality that has made the sanctity of internationally recognized boundaries a cornerstone of regional stability. In February 2022, shortly after Russia's full-scale invasion, Kenya's Ambassador to the UN, Martin Kimani, delivered a powerful speech to the Security Council condemning Russia's actions and underscoring Africa's rejection of irredentism and expansionism. "Kenya and almost every African country was birthed by the ending of empire. Our borders were not of our own drawing," Ambassador Kimani stated, a sentiment that continues to resonate.

President William Ruto's administration has consistently reiterated this stance, calling for a diplomatic solution based on the UN Charter and respect for Ukraine's sovereignty. In an August 2025 meeting with the outgoing Ukrainian Ambassador, President Ruto affirmed, "Our position on the war has been clear: We strongly believe in the UN Charter, and especially in national sovereignty and territorial integrity." The proposal to trade land for peace directly contravenes this deeply held principle and could set a dangerous precedent, suggesting that powerful nations can redraw borders through force. Analysts warn that endorsing such a deal would undermine the international rules-based order that protects smaller nations.

Economic Ripples in East Africa

Beyond the significant diplomatic and legal implications, the nearly four-year-long conflict has had tangible economic consequences for Kenya and the East Africa region. The war has disrupted global supply chains, leading to significant price increases for essential commodities like fuel, fertilizer, and wheat. Kenya heavily relies on Russia and Ukraine for wheat imports, and the conflict-induced price shocks have contributed to food inflation and a higher cost of living. While a peace agreement could theoretically stabilize these markets, the terms of the proposed deal raise questions about long-term geopolitical stability and its potential impact on global trade and security.

The Negotiators and the Path Forward

Steve Witkoff, a real estate developer and longtime friend of Donald Trump, was appointed Special Envoy for Peace Missions in July 2025. Lacking formal diplomatic experience, his direct channel to the Kremlin has been both a feature and a point of concern in the administration's foreign policy approach. Yuri Ushakov is a veteran diplomat who has served as Putin's aide on foreign policy since 2012 and was previously Russia's ambassador to the United States.

The peace plan has been met with significant resistance from Ukraine, which has rejected any proposal that involves ceding territory or limiting its sovereignty. European allies have also expressed alarm, drafting a counter-proposal and emphasizing that any negotiations must involve Ukraine directly. As diplomatic efforts continue, with Witkoff scheduled to meet Putin in Moscow, the international community watches closely. The outcome of these negotiations will not only determine the future of Ukraine but also test the very foundations of international law and the principle of sovereign integrity that Kenya has long championed.