11-11-2024 (WASHINGTON) Former US President Donald Trump engaged in a telephone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday, with the ongoing conflict in Ukraine dominating discussions, according to sources familiar with the exchange who spoke to the Washington Post.
During the call, Trump reportedly cautioned Putin against further escalation of the Ukrainian conflict, whilst emphasising America’s substantial military presence across Europe. The conversation comes amid Trump’s continued assertions that he could broker peace “within a day” if returned to office, though specific details of his proposed solution remain undisclosed.
The diplomatic engagement follows Trump’s separate discussion with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Wednesday, suggesting increased involvement in peace negotiations by the former US president.
The Kremlin responded on Friday, indicating Putin’s willingness to discuss Ukraine with Trump, whilst maintaining that this openness should not be interpreted as a signal of flexibility regarding Moscow’s established demands. Putin’s position, outlined on June 14, requires Ukraine to abandon its NATO aspirations and withdraw forces from four regions claimed by Russia.
These terms have been firmly rejected by Ukraine, with Zelenskiy characterising such conditions as tantamount to surrender. The Ukrainian leader has instead proposed his own “victory plan,” which heavily emphasises the need for continued Western military support.
