Trump Urges Putin to Avoid Escalation in Ukraine Conflict

In a recent call, U.S. President-elect Donald Trump advised Russian President Vladimir Putin to avoid escalating the war in Ukraine, according to a report by The Washington Post.

The call, made from Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, came just days after Trump’s election victory over Democratic contender Kamala Harris.

Trump Calls for De-Escalation in Ukraine

Though Trump’s communications director, Steven Cheung, declined to confirm the specifics, The Washington Post, citing anonymous sources, reported that Trump emphasized America’s strong military presence in Europe. He also expressed interest in further discussions aimed at achieving a “resolution of Ukraine’s war soon.”

Trump’s position on the Ukraine conflict suggests a potential shift in U.S. policy. Known for his desire to cut costs on foreign interventions, Trump has frequently cast doubt on Washington’s extensive financial support for Ukraine.

Response from Russia and Biden Administration

The Russian government has reacted cautiously but positively, with Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov noting Trump’s peace-oriented approach. Meanwhile, the outgoing Biden administration confirmed its commitment to sending aid to Ukraine until Trump’s inauguration on January 20. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan stated that the White House is focused on positioning Ukraine strongly for future negotiations, using the remaining $6 billion allocated for Ukrainian support.

Mixed Signals on U.S.-Ukraine Aid

The potential change in U.S. stance has prompted mixed reactions. On social media, Donald Trump Jr. shared a post hinting at a reduction in U.S. financial support to Ukraine, captioning an image with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky: “You’re 38 days from losing your allowance.” Reports suggest that Trump, in his call with Putin, “briefly raised the issue of land,” hinting that any swift peace deal may require Ukraine to cede territory occupied by Russian forces.

As Trump prepares to take office, the international community is closely watching how his administration will navigate the complex dynamics of the Ukraine conflict.