WP: Trump urges Putin against escalating Ukraine war in post-election call

President-elect Donald Trump spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin on November 7, advising against further escalation of the Ukraine war and emphasizing the US military presence in Europe, according to people familiar with the matter. 

During the call from Trump’s Florida resort, he expressed a desire for peace on the European continent and indicated interest in continued talks to end the conflict, Caliber.Az reports via The Washington Post (WP).

Ukrainian officials, informed about the conversation, did not oppose the call, recognizing Trump’s intent to engage with Russia for a potential diplomatic solution. Trump’s early interactions with world leaders have been conducted independently of the State Department, reflecting his team’s distrust following previous leaks of presidential calls.

Trump’s communications director, Steven Cheung, highlighted that Trump’s victory signalled a return of America to global prominence. Meanwhile, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov cautiously welcomed Trump’s peace-focused rhetoric, though Kyiv remains wary about Trump’s openness to a settlement that may involve ceding territory.

The call comes as Ukraine faces renewed Russian offensives, including an unprecedented Ukrainian drone strike on Moscow. Trump has previously voiced concerns over the cost of supporting Ukraine, suggesting a peace deal could have prevented the current devastation.

By Vugar Khalilov