Donald Trump promised to end the wars. And he immediately started working on the Russia dossier. The president-elect and Vladimir Putin spoke on the phone last Thursday, the Washington Post reveals, citing several sources familiar with the first telephone contact that took place after the election of the Republican candidate on November 5. During the conversation, which took place while Trump was at his Mar-a-lago resort, the president-elect advised Putin “not to escalate the war in Ukraine, reminding him of the significant American military presence in Europe.”
The two leaders discussed the goal of peace on the European continent and Trump expressed interest in holding further talks to discuss “resolving the war in Ukraine in the short term,” the sources told the American newspaper. According to the Washington Post, the Ukrainian government was informed of the phone call between Putin and Trump and did not object.
Meanwhile, the Kursk front is heating up. The Russian army has reportedly gathered 50,000 soldiers, including Russian and North Korean soldiers, ahead of the start of an assault aimed at regaining control of territory seized from Ukraine in the Russian region. The New York Times (NYT) reports this, citing US and Ukrainian officials.
#Stop #escalation #Tempo
**Interview with Dr. Sarah Mitchell, International Relations Expert**
**Editor:** Welcome, Dr. Mitchell. In the wake of Donald Trump’s recent election victory and his first phone call with Vladimir Putin, what do you make of their rekindled relationship?
**Dr. Mitchell:** Thank you for having me. The dynamic between Trump and Putin is quite interesting. Trump’s willingness to engage in direct dialogue suggests a shift in U.S. foreign policy, potentially favoring negotiation over confrontation.
**Editor:** During the call, Trump emphasized the importance of not escalating the war in Ukraine. How significant is this stance considering the current geopolitical climate?
**Dr. Mitchell:** It’s very significant. By urging restraint, Trump signals a desire for stability, particularly given the U.S. military’s strong presence in Europe. It’s a reminder to Russia of the consequences that military escalation could invoke, which could lead to broader tensions.
**Editor:** Putin referred to Trump as “manly” in his public comments following the election. How do you interpret that language in the context of their relationship?
**Dr. Mitchell:** Language like that is strategic. It cultivates a personal connection and plays into the narrative of strong leadership. For Putin, it’s about framing Trump as someone who can be a partner, which could benefit Russia’s image on the global stage.
**Editor:** Given the complexities of their relationship, what should we expect moving forward in U.S.-Russia relations under Trump’s leadership?
**Dr. Mitchell:** Expect a more pragmatic approach. Trump may prioritize “America First,” but his inclination for dialogue could lead to attempts at diplomatic resolutions, especially if he views it as beneficial for his administration. However, this could be met with skepticism both domestically and internationally, as many are cautious of Russia’s intentions.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Mitchell. Your insights help clarify the potential implications of this renewed engagement between the two leaders.
**Dr. Mitchell:** My pleasure. It’s an evolving story to watch closely.