Nov 11, V7N-President-elect Donald Trump reportedly held a call with Russian President Vladimir Putin from his Mar-a-Lago estate, urging Putin to avoid further escalation in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, according to *The Washington Post*. The call, made shortly after Trump’s election victory, signals a potential shift in the U.S. approach to the Ukraine war as Trump has consistently advocated for an expedited resolution.
 
During the conversation, Trump reportedly emphasized the U.S.'s significant military presence in Europe and expressed a desire for further talks to bring about a swift resolution to the conflict. This aligns with Trump’s campaign pledges to limit U.S. involvement in foreign conflicts and reduce financial support for Kyiv, a stance that has been controversial among U.S. allies and Ukrainian leaders.
 
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also spoke with Trump recently, characterizing their call as positive and expressing hope for ongoing cooperation. Billionaire Elon Musk was notably present on the call, suggesting potential private sector involvement in future discussions.
 
Meanwhile, the Biden administration has confirmed its intent to provide Ukraine with as much aid as possible before Trump takes office. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan emphasized that the current administration aims to bolster Ukraine’s position on the battlefield to strengthen its hand in future negotiations, allocating the remaining $6 billion in available funding for Ukrainian support.
 
While Trump has proposed ending the war quickly, potentially involving territorial concessions from Ukraine, Kyiv has expressed firm opposition to surrendering land. This sentiment is shared by many European allies who are wary of Trump’s possible shift away from established U.S. support for Ukraine. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov responded positively to Trump's message, describing it as a step toward peace.
 
The potential changes in U.S. policy have European allies and Ukrainian leaders concerned about the impact of Trump’s approach, which may challenge Ukraine’s stance against ceding territory. With a shift in Washington’s support for Ukraine potentially on the horizon, European partners, including the U.K. and France, have expressed unease, as Kyiv’s forces continue to rely heavily on Western backing amid escalations and intense drone attacks from both sides.
END/WD/RH/