Trump again defended Witkoff

The head of the White House voiced his position on this issue while talking to reporters aboard Air Force 1.

This is standard practice. He (Witkoff — ed.) has to sell this to Ukraine. He has to sell Ukraine to Russia. This is what a dealmaker does.

Donald Trump

President of the United States

According to the American leader, a productive negotiation process is impossible without some pressure on both sides.

The head of the White House also admitted to reporters that he personally did not hear the published conversation, but he considers such negotiation practice to be completely standard.

"You have to convince them of that. It's a very standard form of negotiation. I haven't heard this particular audio, but it's standard negotiating practice. And I imagine he's telling Ukraine the same thing, because each side has to give and take (make concessions — ed.)," Trump said cynically.