President-elect Donald Trump urged Russian President Vladimir Putin to avoid escalating the Ukraine war during a recent phone call focused on promoting peace in Europe.
This call marked their first conversation since Trump’s 2024 election victory, according to sources speaking to The Washington Post.
Trump initiated the call from his Florida resort, where he reminded Putin of the United States’ substantial military presence in Europe, said a source familiar with the conversation.
The sources requested anonymity when providing details of the exchange. During their talk, Trump also expressed interest in having a follow-up discussion aimed at finding a resolution to the Ukraine conflict.
Throughout his campaign, Trump emphasized his confidence in his ability to end the war quickly.
He repeatedly stated he knows “exactly” what to say to both sides to secure a resolution, suggesting he might consider a deal where Russia retains some of the territory gained during the war.
Trump’s stance aligns with his belief that European nations should assume more of the financial burden of the conflict, rather than relying heavily on U.S. support.
At a CNN town hall in May 2023, Trump remarked, “They’re dying, Russians and Ukrainians. I want them to stop dying. And I’ll have that done—I’ll have that done in 24 hours.”
His proposed approach sparked debate, with some supporting his intentions for peace and others questioning the viability of his plans.
Trump’s communications director, Steven Cheung, confirmed that a key objective of Trump’s potential second term would be swiftly negotiating an end to the war.
“Trump believes European nations should be paying more of the cost of the conflict,” Cheung stated. He added that Trump remains committed to resolving the war in Ukraine through negotiations that focus on peace and security.
Sources indicate that the call between Trump and Putin largely centered on the goal of peace for the European continent. Trump’s outreach may be the first step toward his vision of a diplomatic solution.
As Trump prepares for his upcoming term, his focus on this conflict highlights his intention to recalibrate America’s role in global security, especially concerning European affairs.
In the past, Trump has been vocal about reducing U.S. involvement in foreign conflicts, urging other nations to contribute more.
His recent conversation with Putin suggests that Trump remains dedicated to this perspective, potentially reshaping the U.S. approach to international alliances if he follows through on his promises.
With discussions underway, Trump’s approach to the Ukraine war may become a defining aspect of his foreign policy agenda.