TLDR:
Trump advises Putin on Ukraine peace
Zelenskyy worries over Trump’s approach
Kremlin open to Trump’s diplomacy
WASHINGTON (The Thursday Times) — In a significant first step toward recalibrating US-Russia relations, Donald Trump spoke with Vladimir Putin, urging him to avoid escalating the conflict in Ukraine, reported The Washington Post on Sunday. The president-elect, speaking from his resort in Florida, highlighted America’s military presence in Europe, conveying a desire for peace on the continent. Sources familiar with the call indicate that Trump expressed interest in finding a diplomatic resolution, signalling a potential shift in the US approach to the ongoing war.
Trump’s campaign promises centred on swiftly ending the Ukraine conflict, though specific strategies remain unclear. However, his conversation with Putin reportedly touched upon territory issues, hinting at a potential compromise involving land Russia has already seized. Ukrainian officials, informed of the call, did not oppose Trump’s outreach, understanding that he may pursue a deal with Moscow to resolve the protracted war.
Concerns in Kyiv
As Trump engages in preliminary discussions, officials in Ukraine express unease over his intentions. During a recent call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Trump acknowledged the financial toll of US support to Ukraine. Zelenskyy is concerned that Trump might urge territorial concessions, a sensitive topic following recent military gains by Russia. The Ukrainian president’s recent visit to the US raised further scrutiny, with Trump allies criticizing his interaction with political leaders.
Kremlin says Trump “less predictable”
Following Trump’s win, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov expressed tentative optimism, noting that Trump’s approach could differ significantly from previous US leaders. Moscow’s initial reaction to Trump’s victory was reserved, but Putin later extended a public message of congratulations, signalling potential for a new chapter in US-Russia diplomacy. Russian media reports suggest that Trump’s deal-making mindset could lead to constructive dialogue, moving away from confrontation.
Trump’s direct communications with foreign leaders have bypassed standard State Department protocols, reflecting his team’s wariness of career officials. The transition team has not yet formalised agreements typically set up by the General Services Administration, leading to a lack of involvement from official interpreters. This approach has allowed Trump to engage with international leaders independently, sparking discussions on how these informal channels might shape US foreign policy.
