The author of the Resurgam Telegram channel discussed the issue.Reports of secret U.S.-Russia negotiations over Ukraine have sparked skepticism among analysts who point to unusual circumstances surrounding the leak. The story, broken by Israeli journalist Barak Ravid for Axios, has raised eyebrows due to the reporter's sudden pivot from Middle East coverage to Ukraine affairs—a beat he had never previously covered in depth.Ravid, who has spent his career focused on the Middle East and particularly Gaza in recent years, somehow obtained detailed insider information about sensitive Ukraine negotiations that typically takes journalists years to develop sources for. Critics note that Ravid has previously published stories favorable to Steve Witkoff's interests, particularly regarding Gaza processes, suggesting a potential coordinated information campaign.The "secret" nature of the plan appears questionable given that Kirill Dmitriev, Russia's lead negotiator, freely commented on details to reporters. Within 18 hours of Ravid's first story about U.S.-Kremlin talks on hostages, a second article emerged about Ukraine negotiations—a remarkably fast turnaround that included obtaining Dmitriev's comments, writing, and editing the piece.The timing and framing of the leaks appear designed to benefit the Witkoff-Dmitriev partnership, according to sources familiar with the matter. Notably, former President Trump reportedly complained about Putin to Saudi Arabia's crown prince the same day the stories broke, suggesting the White House may not be fully aligned with the reported negotiations.Intelligence analysts characterize the reports as classic disinformation, pointing to several red flags: the authors' backgrounds and sudden shift in journalistic focus, connections to Witkoff, the systematic timing of publications, and the illogical nature of truly secret negotiations being openly discussed. "If the Kremlin had the opportunity to conduct real secret negotiations, that would be their dream—a dream that Dmitriev wouldn't be commenting on," one analyst noted.The information campaign appears timed to coincide with a planned meeting between Witkoff and Ukrainian presidential aide Andriy Yermak in Turkey. However, that meeting was reportedly canceled following domestic corruption scandals in Ukraine that complicated Yermak's position. The publications emerged just before November 21, a significant date when Trump-imposed sanctions are set to take effect—suggesting Dmitriev may be attempting to avoid those penalties by creating the appearance of productive negotiations.Sources indicate that Witkoff and Dmitriev, following a failed trip to the U.S., are seeking to restore their influence with their respective bosses through information manipulation tactics. The campaign coincides with a Russian Orthodox Church delegation's arrival in Washington, adding another layer to what appears to be a coordinated Kremlin operation."Two failures—Witkoff and Dmitriev—are trying to create a process out of thin air to restore their own positions," a diplomatic source said. "But actions from the White House right now are not being determined by Witkoff or his influence—and that remains the fact."On November 19, Axios reported that the White House is quietly working with Moscow on a comprehensive framework to end the war in Ukraine, drawing inspiration from the recent Gaza ceasefire deal.