US President-elect Donald Trump has called on Russian President Vladimir Putin to avoid escalating the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The phone call, made from Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, took place just days after his significant electoral win over Democratic candidate Kamala Harris.
During the conversation, Trump expressed a desire to foster further discussions with Moscow aimed at de-escalating tensions and finding a resolution to the two-and-a-half-year-long war. He emphasized the importance of the substantial US military presence in Europe, hinting at America’s role in addressing the Ukraine crisis.
Trump, who made ending the war a key promise during his campaign, stressed the urgent need for peace, though he has yet to outline specific strategies or proposals.
Earlier in the week, Trump spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, with tech billionaire Elon Musk also reportedly involved in the conversation. Zelensky called the discussion "excellent," expressing encouragement over Trump’s interest in maintaining a constructive dialogue with Ukraine.
The Ukrainian President has expressed optimism about working with the incoming administration to achieve peace and stability in the region.
The ongoing conflict, which began in 2022, has significantly impacted global geopolitics. While both Russia and Ukraine appear to be positioning themselves for future negotiations, recent developments show continued shifts on the battlefield, with Ukrainian forces gaining ground and Russian troops advancing in some areas. These changes highlight the urgent need for diplomatic intervention.
This past weekend, Russia launched 145 drones at Ukraine overnight, while Russia claimed to have downed 34 Ukrainian drones targeting Moscow on Sunday.
Donald Trump Offers Elise Stefanik Role as U.S. Ambassador to United Nations
Pentagon Officials Strategize for Possible Trump Orders Amid Concerns Over Staff Restructuring
Kamala Harris: Will She Run for President in 2028 or Choose a Private Life?