Trump warns Putin against escalating Ukraine conflict; Kremlin denies reports of talk

The Washington Post reports that US president-elect Donald Trump spoke with Russian leader Vladimir Putin via a phone call and warned him against intensifying the conflict in Ukraine.

Trump spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin from his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida on Thursday, just days after his election victory over Kamala Harris.

Although Trump’s communications director, Steven Cheung, did not confirm the call, reports suggest Trump reminded Putin of America’s strong military presence in Europe. Trump also expressed interest in further talks about resolving the ongoing war in Ukraine.

Russia, however, denied the call and said it saw no signs of the West being ready for talks. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov called the reports “false,” while a Ukrainian official confirmed they were unaware of the conversation.

Trump also held discussions with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, with both agreeing to work towards peace in Europe.

Trump’s stance on the Ukraine conflict, emphasizing a swift end to the war and questioning U.S. financial support for Kyiv, may have significant implications for the ongoing crisis.

He has criticized U.S. funding to Ukraine, suggesting it supports a corrupt defense industry and pro-war policies. His calls for peace could involve compromises, including possible territorial concessions from Ukraine.