In a bold first move on the international stage since his electoral victory, President-elect Trump reportedly spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday, warning him not to escalate the conflict in Ukraine. According to sources from The Washington Post, Trump emphasized the presence of U.S. forces in Europe while also signaling his willingness to negotiate, suggesting that his approach may be a sharp pivot from the Biden administration’s handling of the crisis.
Trump, who has boasted of speaking with about 70 world leaders since his win, also confirmed a call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The high-level conversations underscore Trump’s intent to dive headfirst into the delicate matter of the Russia-Ukraine war, a conflict that has dominated the global agenda since Russia’s invasion in 2022.
Putin’s congratulatory message to Trump was laced with rare praise. “His behavior at the moment of an attempt on his life left an impression on me,” Putin said, referencing the widely reported incident during Trump’s campaign. “He turned out to be a brave man… He manifested himself in the very correct way, bravely as a man.” Putin also noted Trump’s desire to mend U.S.-Russia relations and end the Ukrainian crisis, calling it a viewpoint “that deserves attention.”
🚨New: President-elect Donald Trump had a phone call with Russia’s Vladimir Putin on Thursday this week to discuss the war. Trump told Putin not to escalate the war in Ukraine.
Via: The Washington Post pic.twitter.com/ntR9ESAxvQ
— The Calvin Coolidge Project (@TheCalvinCooli1) November 10, 2024
In typical fashion, Trump’s calls are being conducted outside of official State Department channels, a decision that has already drawn criticism from the media and career government officials. The Washington Post noted, “Trump’s initial calls with world leaders are not being conducted with the support of the State Department and U.S. government interpreters.” Trump’s team has yet to finalize an agreement with the General Services Administration, further complicating the traditional transition process. However, this move seems intentional; Trump and his aides remain deeply distrustful of career bureaucrats, especially after the leaked transcripts of presidential calls during his first term.
“President Trump won a historic election decisively and leaders from around the world know America will return to prominence on the world stage,” said Steven Cheung, Trump’s communications director. “That is why leaders have begun the process of developing stronger relationships with the 45th and 47th President because he represents global peace and stability.”
The Kremlin’s response has been cautiously optimistic. Spokesman Dmitry Peskov acknowledged that while Trump’s approach may be less predictable than that of Biden or Harris, he at least emphasizes the possibility of peace over confrontation. “Trump talked during his campaign about deals, that he can make a deal that will lead everyone to peace,” Peskov remarked. “Let’s wait and see.”
Trump’s stance on the Russia-Ukraine war has been consistent, advocating for negotiations rather than prolonged conflict. In a September speech in North Carolina, he criticized the current state of the war, stating, “Any deal — the worst deal — would’ve been better than what we have now.” He painted a picture of a ruined Ukraine, lamenting the loss of lives and infrastructure. “What deal can we make? It’s demolished. The people are dead. The country is in rubble.”
With Trump’s unexpected outreach to both Putin and Zelensky, it appears he is setting the stage for a potential diplomatic breakthrough. Whether his approach will lead to peace or further complicate the geopolitical landscape remains to be seen, but it’s clear Trump is wasting no time in trying to shape global events.
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