In a significant development, US President-elect Donald Trump reportedly spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday, urging him not to escalate the ongoing war in Ukraine. The call, which took place amidst heightened tensions and reports of Russian military buildup, sheds light on Trump’s approach to the conflict as he prepares to take office for his second term.
Trump’s Firm Stance on De-Escalation
According to sources familiar with the conversation, Trump took a firm stance during the call, advising Putin against further escalating the war in Ukraine. He reportedly reminded the Russian leader of the substantial US military presence in Europe, hinting at potential consequences should Russia continue its aggressive actions.
Trump likely does not want to begin his second presidential term with an escalation in the Ukraine war, giving him incentive to want to keep the war from worsening.
– Former US official
Growing Concerns Over Russian Escalation
The call comes amidst reports of Russia escalating its military involvement in Ukraine on multiple fronts. Intelligence suggests that Russia has been massing North Korean troops on its territory, a move that has raised alarms in the international community. Additionally, Russia has reportedly deployed more than 2,000 one-way attack kamikaze drones aimed at Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities in the last month alone.
UK Defense Secretary John Healey acknowledged the mounting pressure on Ukraine, stating:
Ukraine is certainly under pressure. Russia is certainly escalating… One person is responsible for that escalation, and that’s Putin.
– John Healey, UK Defense Secretary
Starmer’s Visit to Paris
As the war in Ukraine continues to dominate global headlines, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer traveled to Paris to meet with French President Emmanuel Macron. The two leaders, representing Europe’s biggest military powers, are expected to discuss the implications of Trump’s victory and coordinate their response to the evolving situation in Ukraine.
Starmer’s visit, which coincides with the French Armistice Day service, underscores the importance of European solidarity in the face of the ongoing conflict and the potential shift in US foreign policy under a second Trump administration.
The Path Forward
As the international community closely monitors developments in Ukraine, all eyes are on Trump and his approach to the conflict. While the president-elect expressed interest in follow-up conversations on the “resolution of Ukraine’s war soon,” the specifics of his plan remain unclear.
The coming weeks and months will be crucial in determining the future of the war in Ukraine and the role that the US, under Trump’s leadership, will play in shaping its outcome. As tensions continue to mount and the human cost of the conflict grows, the need for diplomatic solutions and international cooperation has never been more pressing.
