Trump’s Shocking Call with Putin Sets Off Global Alarm Bells
In a move that has sent shockwaves across the globe, former US President Donald Trump recently spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin about ending the war in Ukraine. This [[conversation]], the first publicly known contact between the two leaders since Trump left office, has blindsided European allies and sparked fears of a shift in US foreign policy.
Trump’s New Approach: A Departure from Biden’s Stance
Trump announced the call on social media, describing it as “lengthy and highly productive.” He revealed that their teams would start negotiations immediately and hinted at a potential meeting with Putin in Saudi Arabia soon. This marks a sharp contrast to the approach of former President Joe Biden, who avoided direct contact with Putin and prioritized Ukraine’s leadership in resolving the conflict.
Allies’ Concerns and Ukraine’s Uncertain Future
European officials, caught off guard by the news, expressed worries that the US might be conceding to Putin’s demands without any guarantees in return. Several nations, including France, Germany, Italy, and the UK, issued a joint statement emphasizing that Ukraine and Europe must be central to any negotiations, with strong security guarantees for Kyiv. Some Republicans also voiced concerns, with Representative Don Bacon warning against “rewarding the invader.”
Trump’s Justification and Plans for Aid
Addressing reporters, Trump stated his intention to send more aid to Ukraine and expressed hope that some lost territory might be regained. He downplayed concerns about weakening Ukraine’s position, saying his focus is on stopping the loss of life. However, his comments about Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskiy’s
