In a significant phone conversation, U.S. President-elect Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed the ongoing war in Ukraine, as reported by The Washington Post. This marked the first direct communication between the two leaders since Trump’s election victory, and it took place from Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida. During the call, Trump reportedly urged Putin to avoid escalating the conflict, a stance that global leaders and analysts are closely monitoring.
While the conversation has not been officially confirmed by either the White House or the Kremlin, reports indicate that Trump took a firm stance on the issue, reminding the Russian leader of Washington’s substantial military presence across Europe. The conversation comes at a crucial juncture in the dynamics between the United States and Russia, with a new administration preparing to take office in Washington.
The Washington Post, citing a person familiar with the call, reported that Trump briefly touched upon the issue of territorial disputes in Ukraine. Throughout his campaign, Trump had promised to bring about a swift end to the Ukrainian conflict but did not specify the steps he would take to do so. The report suggests that Trump is open to a potential agreement in which Russia would retain control over certain liberated territories, though these comments were made privately. He is believed to have reiterated this position during his call with Putin, albeit briefly.
The Ukrainian government was reportedly informed about the conversation beforehand. According to sources, Kyiv did not object to the dialogue between Trump and Putin, understanding that the President-elect would inevitably engage with the Russian leader. This has been interpreted as a sign that Kyiv is prepared for the diplomatic initiatives that may follow once the new U.S. administration takes office.
Putin’s press secretary, Dmitry Peskov, addressed the media on Friday, reiterating that the Russian president remains open to dialogue with Trump. However, Peskov also cautioned that there were no concrete agreements or outcomes to announce. In remarks made at the plenary session of the Valdai Discussion Club, Putin congratulated Trump on his electoral victory and defended his decision to engage with Trump, emphasizing the need for open communication channels.
Meanwhile, U.S. President Joe Biden‘s National Security Advisor, Jake Sullivan, commented on Sunday about the administration’s current approach to the Ukraine conflict. Speaking to CBS News, Sullivan mentioned that the White House aims to strengthen Ukraine’s position, both on the battlefield and at the negotiating table. He added that President Biden and President-elect Trump are scheduled to meet in the Oval Office on Wednesday to discuss key issues as part of a responsible transition of power.
“The first and most important message will be that President Biden is committed to the peaceful transfer of power and a responsible handoff, which is central to the values of our country,” Sullivan said. “They will also go through domestic and foreign policy issues, including developments in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. President Biden will have the chance to convey his perspective to President Trump, outlining where things stand and exploring how the incoming administration might approach these critical issues.”
This conversation between Trump and Putin is a significant moment that could influence the trajectory of U.S.-Russia relations and the outcome of the Ukrainian conflict. While Trump’s exact strategy for resolving the crisis remains unclear, the willingness to engage directly with Putin signals a readiness to explore new avenues for ending the prolonged war. This stance could have wide-reaching implications for both regional and global politics.