President-elect Donald Trump reportedly advised Russian President Vladimir Putin not to escalate the war in Ukraine during a private phone call last week. The Washington Post, citing a source familiar with the conversation, reported that Trump, speaking from Florida, urged Putin to exercise restraint in the conflict. This call, which reportedly took place on Thursday, marks the first known conversation between the two leaders since Trump’s election victory.
The source also revealed that Trump highlighted the significant presence of U.S. military personnel in Europe, possibly aiming to underscore the potential consequences of any escalation. Furthermore, Trump reportedly expressed a desire for peaceful resolution in Europe and suggested further talks on ending the Ukraine war.
Trump’s transition team, however, declined to comment on the nature of the call, stating that they do not discuss private conversations between the president-elect and foreign leaders. This response came amidst reports of a separate phone call involving Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Wednesday, a conversation that also included billionaire Elon Musk.
Zelenskyy confirmed the call on social media, congratulating Trump on his election victory and expressing his gratitude for the support he has received from the incoming administration. While details of Musk’s involvement remain undisclosed, sources suggest that he expressed his ongoing commitment to supporting Ukraine through his Starlink satellite network, which has proven crucial for maintaining communication during the conflict.
The involvement of Elon Musk in the conversation adds another layer of intrigue to the situation, highlighting the potential influence of tech giants in shaping international relations.
Trump’s campaign rhetoric during the election focused on a swift resolution to the Ukraine conflict, leading to concerns among European allies about a potential shift in U.S. policy. While assuring Zelenskyy of continued support during the call, Trump did not elaborate on specific policies or military aid plans.
The calls between Trump, Putin, and Zelenskyy underscore the complexities of the current geopolitical landscape and the critical role that key players will play in shaping the future of the Ukraine conflict. As the Trump administration takes office, the world will be watching closely to see how it navigates these delicate diplomatic relationships and addresses the ongoing crisis in Ukraine.
