Trump and Putin discuss Ukraine conflict
According to the Washington Post, president-elect Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed the Ukraine war in a phone conversation. During the call, Trump reportedly cautioned Putin against escalating the conflict and referenced America's significant military presence in Europe, while expressing interest in future discussions about resolving the war.
The conversation followed Trump's earlier call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. During his campaign, Trump had claimed he could end the war "within a day," though without providing specific details. A former US official familiar with the call suggested Trump wants to avoid starting his second term amid an escalating conflict in Ukraine.
Trump spokesperson Steven Cheung emphasized that global leaders are working to strengthen relationships with Trump, viewing him as representing "global peace and stability." However, Ukraine's foreign ministry disputed the Post's claim that Kyiv had been informed about and did not object to the Trump-Putin call.
President Biden has invited Trump to the Oval Office. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan indicated Biden will emphasize ensuring a peaceful power transfer and discuss international situations, including making the case for continued US support of Ukraine.
The Kremlin confirmed Putin's readiness to discuss Ukraine with Trump but maintained that Moscow's demands remain unchanged. Putin's terms, stated in June, require Ukraine to abandon NATO aspirations and withdraw from territories claimed by Russia.
This development comes amid ongoing concerns about the future of US aid to Ukraine, which Trump has consistently criticized. The US has provided billions in military and economic assistance to Ukraine since Russia's invasion in February 2022.
