The Kremlin on Monday refuted a report claiming that Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President-elect Donald Trump held a phone conversation addressing the ongoing Ukraine conflict. According to *The Washington Post*, Trump allegedly urged Putin not to escalate the conflict during a call last Thursday. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov labeled the report “false” and added that Russia has not observed any indications from the West about a readiness for peace talks.
The prospect of Trump’s leadership has introduced uncertainty over the U.S.'s multi-billion dollar support for Ukraine, essential for Kyiv’s defense efforts. Trump, who has hinted he could end the conflict swiftly, has not publicly outlined any terms for a peace deal with Russia. His communications director, Steven Cheung, declined to comment on private communications between Trump and global leaders.
Trump reportedly discussed peace efforts in Europe with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Sunday, though there are no plans for Putin-Scholz talks at this time. Despite European leaders’ apprehension regarding Trump’s election, Peskov indicated Russia’s openness to talks, although “no preparation” is underway, with no signals of a shift from Europe.
Russia’s forces are reportedly making significant advances in eastern Ukraine, with senior Russian officials like Sergei Shoigu suggesting that the West must decide whether to continue supporting Kyiv’s defenses or negotiate based on the “current realities.”
Tensions were further heightened as Russian strikes claimed at least six lives in Ukraine on Monday, following record drone attacks from both sides over the weekend. Moscow’s insistence that Ukrainian forces withdraw from occupied eastern and southern territories remains a sticking point. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has strongly opposed any compromise with Putin, stressing that rewarding Russian aggression could set a dangerous precedent for further hostilities.
