In a significant development, President-elect Donald Trump has issued a stern warning to Russian President Vladimir Putin during their first phone conversation since Trump’s election victory. According to sources familiar with the call, Trump emphasized the United States’ substantial military presence in Europe and cautioned against any escalation of the conflict in Ukraine.
The phone call, which took place at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, marks the beginning of diplomatic interactions between the two leaders as Trump prepares to assume office. Despite Trump’s previous admiration for Putin, referring to him as “pretty smart” for invading Ukraine, the tone of the call was firm.
Key Highlights of the Call:
- Warning Against Escalation: Trump warned Putin against escalating the conflict in Ukraine, emphasizing the US military presence in Europe.
- Prospects for Peace: The two leaders discussed prospects for achieving peace in Europe, with Trump expressing interest in follow-up talks.
- Ukraine Conflict Resolution: Trump mentioned the possibility of supporting a negotiated settlement that might leave some territories under Russian control.
Trump’s initial interactions with foreign leaders have taken an unconventional approach, bypassing established protocols that usually involve coordination with the State Department and the use of official US government interpreters. This deviation is reportedly linked to Trump’s longstanding mistrust of career government officials.