Officials who know details of the conversation say that US President-elect Donald Trump told Russian President Vladimir Putin in a telephone call that there is an urgent need to reduce tensions in Ukraine. This is the first official communication between the two since Trump’s election victory in the recently concluded presidential poll. From his resort in Florida, Trump advised Putin against further escalation in Ukraine, hinting at the substantial military support the US provides its European allies.
The discussion was on fostering peace in Eastern Europe, and Trump was interested in conducting further follow-up talks that would help close the conflict. In this regard, he reiterated his campaign promise that he was going to end the war in Ukraine fast but still did not detail exactly how he was going to do it.
Speculation over how changed U.S. foreign policy, especially more military aid and a drastic shift in economic support, relates to Ukraine has been built around Trump’s view on that matter, but his allies maintain that is where diplomatic engagement with Russia will bring an even quicker resolution. President-elect Trump has hinted at openness to a negotiated settlement that would involve concessions of territory, a suggestion which raises brows among Ukrainian and Western leaders.
However, the Kremlin refuted that such a call happened, calling it “false” information. Trump’s camp has refused to comment on the details, as they attested to keeping such interactions private.
As Trump prepares to take office, observers from Europe and Ukraine watch closely. All the more, it may rebadge the way the United States and NATO are approaching this war, but at the same time, while some are cautious, there is little clarity on where Trump would lead, and several European leaders fear that a sudden policy change could transform the stability of the region.
The White House transition might dictate the way forward concerning the world’s matter of significance on this issue. Both countries breathe their collective sigh and silently observe every step that may effectively influence the war being waged and pursued.
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