In a heated back-and-forth, the Kremlin has categorically denied claims that U.S. President-elect Donald Trump recently warned Vladimir Putin over escalating the war in Ukraine. The Washington Post reported that Trump allegedly spoke with Putin on Thursday, advising caution and hinting at America’s formidable military presence in Europe. But Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov dismissed these reports as “pure fiction,” insisting that “there was no conversation.”
Trump’s team has also declined to comment on the alleged call, staying tight-lipped about the president-elect’s private discussions. The controversial report comes as Trump promises to end the nearly three-year-long war in Ukraine, though he has yet to detail his plan.
International Concerns Over U.S. Support in Ukraine
With Trump poised to take office, European leaders and U.S. allies are closely watching for signs of how his administration will handle the Ukraine crisis. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has issued warnings against any peace deal that cedes territory to Russia, emphasizing that without American support, Ukraine would struggle to continue its resistance. Echoing this sentiment, British Defense Secretary John Healey expressed hope that the U.S. will maintain its steadfast alliance with the U.K. and other partners in supporting Ukraine “as long as it takes.”
Adding to the chorus, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell, during a visit to Ukraine, stressed the importance of a “sustainable” end to the conflict. Borrell’s words underscored European unease about a hasty resolution, with the EU calling for a carefully negotiated peace to prevent further instability in the region.
Meanwhile, outgoing U.S. President Joe Biden’s National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan reportedly plans to urge Trump not to withdraw support from Ukraine, arguing that doing so could embolden Moscow and destabilize Europe.
Russia Escalates Attacks Amidst Concerns Over U.S. Transition
As the international community watches with concern, Russia has ramped up its attacks, including major drone and missile strikes across Ukraine. Recent reports indicate that Moscow’s forces damaged a dam in the Donetsk region and launched air strikes that killed six people and injured 21 others on Monday. In Kryvyi Rih, a missile struck an apartment building, marking a grim reminder of the civilian toll in this ongoing war.
On Saturday night alone, Ukraine faced an onslaught of 145 Russian drones targeting cities across the nation, while Russia claimed to have intercepted 84 Ukrainian drones approaching Moscow, disrupting flights at three major airports. Zelensky responded to the relentless strikes, condemning Russia’s continued aggression and pleading for “stronger global support” and more weaponry to halt the attacks.
Putin Seizes the Moment?
Germany’s Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock has warned that Putin may be taking advantage of the U.S. post-election transition, possibly eyeing a more aggressive push in Ukraine while American foreign policy remains in limbo. Baerbock called on EU nations to step up aid to Kyiv, urging immediate action to counter what she described as a critical moment in the conflict.
Russia’s Gains on the Ground
Despite fierce resistance, Russia has claimed recent territorial gains, with its defense ministry announcing the capture of Kolisnykivka in Ukraine’s Kharkiv region. Analysis from the Institute for the Study of War indicates that Russian advances in October were the most significant since early 2022, highlighting the challenges Ukraine faces as winter approaches.
With Trump’s entry to the White House just around the corner, international leaders and analysts alike are bracing for how his policies will shape the next phase of the war. As Russian aggression escalates and Ukraine pleads for more support, the world watches to see if Trump’s administration will continue the current course or shift in a way that could reshape the conflict altogether.
