President-elect Trump’s transition team did not confirm or deny reports that he advised Russian President Vladimir Putin not to escalate the war with Ukraine during a recent call. The call, which took place last Thursday, marked the first conversation between the two leaders since Trump's election victory.
During the call, Trump reportedly spoke to Putin from Florida and urged him to avoid escalating the conflict in Ukraine. He also highlighted the presence of U.S. military forces in Europe as a reminder to Russia. Sources familiar with the call mentioned that Trump emphasized the importance of peace in Europe and expressed a desire for further discussions on resolving the conflict in Ukraine.
In response to inquiries about the report, Trump's team issued a statement emphasizing that they do not comment on private conversations between the President and other world leaders. The statement highlighted Trump's decisive election win and his commitment to restoring America's global standing, which has led to stronger relationships with world leaders.
Just two days after the call with Putin, a senior Ukrainian official confirmed that Elon Musk participated in a call between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Musk's involvement in the call, which was not elaborated upon, suggests his potential influence on the incoming Trump administration.
Zelenskyy praised Trump for his campaign efforts and expressed optimism about the future relationship between the two countries. Musk reportedly indicated his continued support for Ukraine through his Starlink satellite network, which plays a crucial role in the country's wartime communications.
Throughout his campaign, Trump had expressed reservations about ongoing U.S. aid to Ukraine and emphasized the need for a swift resolution to the conflict with Russia. While Trump assured Zelenskyy of support during the call, specific policies or military aid details were not disclosed.
The call is expected to be the first of many discussions between Trump's team and Zelenskyy's advisers as they navigate America's role in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
