“`html
Jim Watson/AFP via Getty Images; Contributor via Getty Images
- President-elect Donald Trump engaged in a phone call with Vladimir Putin on Thursday.
- Trump also spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during this period.
- In July 2023, Trump claimed he could resolve the Ukraine conflict within 24 hours.
According to a report by The Washington Post, President-elect Donald Trump communicated with Russian leader Vladimir Putin last week and advised him against further escalation of the war in Ukraine.
This conversation marks their first known interaction since Trump’s election victory. During their discussion, they focused on potential resolutions for the ongoing conflict and prospects for peace across Europe, as noted by sources familiar with the dialogue.
Trump expressed his desire for additional discussions aimed at swiftly resolving the situation in Ukraine. A spokesperson from Trump’s campaign declined to comment on specifics regarding private conversations between him and global leaders when approached by reporters from Reuters.
No responses were received from representatives of either Trump or Russia’s foreign ministry when Business Insider sought comments regarding this call.
The day before speaking with Putin, Trump had a conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at Mar-a-Lago. Following their discussion, Zelenskyy tweeted: ”We agreed to maintain close dialogue and advance our cooperation. Strong and unwavering US leadership is vital for global stability and achieving just peace.”
I had an excellent call with President
@realDonaldTrump
congratulating him on his historic landslide victory—his tremendous campaign made this result possible. I praised his family and team for their great work.We agreed to maintain close dialogue and advance our…
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa)
November 6, 2024
Trump’s Commitments Regarding the Ukraine Conflict
In July 2023, during an interview with Fox News, Trump asserted that if he were elected president again, he would be able to conclude the Russia-Ukraine war within just one day.
“I would tell Zelenskyy that it’s time to negotiate,” he stated. “And I would inform Putin that if no agreement is reached soon, we will provide substantial support beyond anything previously offered.” He confidently added: “I will finalize this deal within one day.”
This bold claim was met with skepticism from both Ukrainian officials and Russian representatives at that time. Zelenskyy remarked through ABC News that while Trump’s idea was appealing it lacked practical grounding based on real-world experience. Meanwhile, Vasily Nebenzya—the Russian ambassador to the UN—stated emphatically that such conflicts cannot be resolved overnight.
The lukewarm reception did not deter Trump from reiterating his commitment throughout his campaign about swiftly ending hostilities in Ukraine. In June of that year during a rally in Detroit he proclaimed intentions of settling matters before officially taking office as president-elect while also critiquing Zelenskyy’s approach: “He might be one of history’s greatest political salesmen,” said Trump referring to how often financial aid was solicited during visits.
“Every time he comes here,” continued Trump “he walks away securing $60 billion.” He emphasized how shortly after receiving funds there seemed always another request forthcoming—a cycle without end according to him.
Since Russia initiated its invasion back in February 2022—the United States has provided over $64 billion worth of military assistance directed towards supporting Ukraine’s defense efforts against aggression.
Read more original content on Business Insider
Source
“`
