Russia Denies Trump-Putin Call on Ukraine Escalation
Russia has firmly denied reports claiming that US President-elect Donald Trump had a phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, in which he allegedly warned the Russian leader against escalating the war in Ukraine. The call, which was initially reported by The Washington Post, was said to have taken place on Thursday. During the call, Trump was also reported to have discussed America’s extensive military presence in Europe.
A Kremlin spokesperson, Dmitry Peskov, rejected the claims, calling them “pure fiction” and categorically denying that such a conversation had occurred. Trump’s communications team, meanwhile, maintained that they do not comment on private discussions between the president-elect and other world leaders. Steven Cheung, Trump’s communications director, said, “We do not comment on private calls between President Trump and other world leaders.” This further fueled speculation about the nature of the reported call, leaving the international community with unanswered questions.
Russia’s dismissal of the phone call comes as tensions in Ukraine escalate. Over the weekend, the two nations exchanged large-scale drone attacks, marking some of the most intense aerial combat since the war’s start. Russia’s defense ministry reported intercepting 84 Ukrainian drones over six different regions, including some that were reportedly headed toward Moscow. The interception caused disruptions at major Moscow airports, forcing several flight diversions.
Meanwhile, Ukraine’s air force confirmed that it shot down 145 Russian drones during the same period. On the ground, Ukraine has been enduring continued missile strikes, with at least six fatalities and 21 injuries reported in recent Russian air raids. Most of the casualties occurred in the southern city of Mykolaiv and the eastern city of Zaporizhzhia. In a particularly devastating strike, a missile hit an apartment block in President Zelensky’s hometown of Kryvyi Rih, injuring seven, including two children. Zelensky quickly condemned the attack, emphasizing that Russia’s ongoing strikes targeted civilian areas and violated claims of diplomacy from Moscow.
In response to the violence, President Zelensky called for “stronger global support,” as he underscored the need for more weapons to help Ukraine defend itself. He also stressed that Russia’s actions were a direct effort to extend the war and avoid diplomatic negotiations. As missile and drone attacks continue to ravage Ukraine, Zelensky has reiterated his stance that the country will not cede any territory to Russia. He remains adamant that Ukraine’s survival depends on continued support from its international allies, particularly the United States.
As President-elect, Trump has repeatedly stated his intention to end the war in Ukraine, but has yet to outline a clear strategy for achieving peace. Trump’s position on Ukraine has evolved over time. While he has promised to negotiate with Putin and de-escalate tensions, his plans have not been fully articulated, leading to uncertainty over how he would approach the conflict once in office. Since his election, Trump has had discussions with Ukrainian President Zelensky, a phone call that reportedly lasted about half an hour. However, it remains unclear how much influence Trump’s diplomatic engagements would have in resolving the war.
Trump’s communications director Steven Cheung confirmed that the president-elect has spoken with world leaders about the ongoing situation in Ukraine. However, Trump has yet to reveal specific details regarding his foreign policy approach or what kind of peace talks he would pursue with Russia. While he has promised to end the war, critics argue that Trump’s foreign policy could undermine Ukraine’s efforts to resist Russian aggression, especially since his rhetoric has sometimes seemed to favor negotiation with Putin over unwavering support for Ukraine.
While many international observers are anxious about Trump’s stance on Ukraine, some believe that his return to the presidency might not signal a drastic shift in U.S. foreign policy. John Healey, the British defense secretary, has expressed confidence that the U.S. will continue to stand with its allies, including the UK, in supporting Ukraine. Healey remarked that he expects the U.S. to maintain its position as a crucial partner for Ukraine in the fight against Russia. The UK, along with other NATO members, has pledged to back Ukraine for as long as it takes to repel Putin’s invasion. Healey’s statement echoes the sentiment of many Western officials who are cautious about Trump’s potential influence on the conflict.
There are also reports that suggest Russia might be cautiously optimistic about Trump’s return to the White House. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has previously suggested that there are “positive signals” coming from the incoming U.S. administration. However, this optimism is tempered by ongoing concerns about Trump’s unpredictability. Some experts worry that Trump could ease sanctions on Russia or reduce military aid to Ukraine, which would undermine the efforts of NATO allies and embolden Putin’s regime. Given Trump’s past actions and statements regarding Russia, many remain skeptical about the extent to which he will maintain support for Ukraine.
On the battlefield, Russian forces have continued their territorial advances in Ukraine. The Russian defense ministry announced the capture of Kolisnykivka, a village in the Kharkiv region. This development is part of a broader pattern of military gains made by Russian forces in the eastern and southern parts of Ukraine. Despite these advances, Russia continues to face significant resistance from Ukrainian forces, which have received extensive military aid from the West.
While Russia has made incremental progress, particularly in the eastern regions, the conflict has reached a deadlock in many areas. Ukrainian forces have been able to regain some territory, although the overall situation remains fluid. The recent escalation in drone and missile strikes reflects Russia’s continued reliance on air and artillery power to wear down Ukraine’s defenses. The growing civilian toll, however, has prompted widespread condemnation from the international community. Human rights groups have called for stronger action to protect civilians and prevent further atrocities.
As Russian missile and drone attacks continue to target civilians and key infrastructure, President Zelensky has intensified his calls for more military aid and international backing. Zelensky has appealed for additional weapons and support to help Ukraine defend itself against Russian aggression. He has also emphasized that the longer the war continues, the greater the global risk becomes, as the conflict threatens to destabilize Europe and beyond.
Zelensky’s plea for stronger global support underscores the central role the U.S. plays in Ukraine’s defense strategy. The president has emphasized that without U.S. assistance, Ukraine would likely be unable to withstand Russia’s military might. As Ukraine’s situation becomes increasingly dire, the role of the United States in providing aid and diplomatic support will be crucial to the country’s future.
As Donald Trump prepares to take office again, global attention is focused on how his administration will address the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. While Trump has promised to end the war, his lack of clarity on the specifics of his approach leaves many uncertain about his ability to balance relations with Putin and support Ukraine’s sovereignty. Meanwhile, as Russia and Ukraine continue to engage in deadly aerial and ground combat, the international community is looking for decisive action to end the conflict and prevent further suffering.
The situation remains precarious, with no clear path to peace in sight. As Trump navigates his return to power, both Russia and Ukraine will be watching closely to see what policies emerge from his administration. One thing is clear: the war in Ukraine has become a defining issue for global security, and how it is handled will have lasting consequences for U.S.-Russia relations and the broader geopolitical landscape.
Source: Euro News
