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