Tue Nov 19 13:39:00 UTC 2024: ## Trump-Putin Phone Call Denied by Kremlin Amidst Ukrainian Uncertainty

**Washington D.C./Kyiv –** Reports emerged on Monday claiming a phone conversation took place between President-elect Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin the day after the U.S. election. The alleged conversation, according to sources cited by The Washington Post and Reuters, involved Trump urging Putin to de-escalate the war in Ukraine and highlighting the substantial U.S. military presence in Europe. Further reports suggest the two discussed peace prospects and the possibility of future discussions to resolve the conflict.

However, the Kremlin vehemently denied the reports, with spokesperson Dmitry Peskov calling them “pure fiction” and “false information.” While acknowledging Putin’s willingness to discuss Ukraine with Trump last week, Peskov stated there are currently no plans for any contact between the two leaders.

Adding to the intrigue, The Washington Post reported that the Ukrainian government was reportedly informed of the alleged call and did not object. However, Ukraine’s foreign ministry swiftly issued a statement declaring it “impossible” that they would have endorsed such a conversation.

This alleged communication has sparked anxiety in Kyiv and European capitals, fueled by concerns about a potential shift in U.S. military aid to Ukraine and the possibility of a peace deal unfavorable to Ukraine. Many fear a repeat of the perceived overly-friendly relationship between Trump and Putin during Trump’s previous presidency.

President Biden, meanwhile, plans to urge Trump and Congress to continue supporting Ukraine, expressing concerns that abandoning Ukraine would lead to further instability in Europe. This comes as Trump has previously expressed skepticism about U.S. aid to Ukraine and claimed he could quickly resolve the conflict.

The conflicting reports highlight the uncertainty surrounding Trump’s Ukraine policy, with both Kyiv and Moscow engaging in what appears to be a charm offensive to influence his stance. While Trump has pledged a swift end to the war, his approach remains unclear. The situation is further complicated by recent record drone attacks launched by both Russia and Ukraine over the weekend. The incident underscores the volatile nature of the conflict and the high stakes surrounding the developing relationship between the incoming U.S. administration and both Russia and Ukraine.

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