The Kremlin denied on Monday that Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump last week about Ukraine, calling the report “completely untrue.”
According to The Washington Post, Trump allegedly warned Putin against escalating the conflict and highlighted the strength of U.S. military presence in Europe.
Unnamed sources cited in the report claimed Trump wanted to initiate further discussions with Putin to “resolve Ukraine’s war soon.”
However, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters, “This is pure fiction, simply false information.”
Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry also noted it was not informed about any potential conversation between Trump and Putin.
Trump, who recently secured a second term, has pledged to resolve the Ukraine conflict before he takes office in January.
His critical stance on outgoing President Joe Biden’s support for Ukraine has sparked concern in Kyiv, where officials worry the U.S. could reduce or cut military support, potentially weakening Ukraine’s defense against Russia.
Last week, The Wall Street Journal reported that Trump’s advisors had presented him with options that could lead to a “freeze” on the war, effectively securing Russia’s hold over its current occupied territories in Ukraine.
