President Donald Trump has denied Ukraine access to U.S. Tomahawk missiles after speaking to Russian President Vladimir Putin over the phone last month, before meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in the White House on October 19.

According to a leaked phone call obtained by Bloomberg, Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff reached out to his Russian counterpart to encourage and arrange the phone call between Trump and Putin.

"Zelensky is coming to the White House on Friday," Witkoff told Yuri Ushakov in the recorded conversation. "I think if possible, we have the call with your boss before that Friday meeting."

Witkoff also coached Ushakov that Putin should praise Trump for the Gaza peace deal to gain his favor, which he apparently did.

High stakes

Tomahawk missiles can fly 1,000 miles, far enough to reach Russian infrastructure that is fueling its war machine.

Putin knew it would be a game changer and exerted all of his influence to prevent that from happening.

Of course, reporting of the phone call will only fuel Trump critics and everyone on the left who still thinks he's secretly in bed with Russia.

"Putin has greater influence because of many deals going way back… Witkoff has been dealing with the Russians for decades. As the transcript shows, he even advises the Kremlin how to engage with POTUS," a former diplomat deeply involved with European affairs told the Daily Mail.

Republicans revolt

Congressional Republicans are voicing their displeasure at Witkoff's efforts and the obvious favoritism toward Russia, as shown in Trump's floated peace plan.

Representative Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) has demanded that Witkoff be removed from the process so that Secretary of State Marco Rubio can handle things more objectively.

"This is a major problem. And one of the many reasons why these ridiculous side shows and secret meetings need to stop," Fitzpatrick said.

But Trump has defended Witkoff from the allegations, saying, "It's a standard thing… that's what a dealmaker does."

"Look, I think this war could go on for years and Russia has got a lot more people. A lot more soldiers, you know? I think if Ukraine can make a deal, it's a good thing," Trump said.