President-elect Donald Trump has instructed his aides to arrange a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin shortly after his inauguration on January 20.
According to news reports, the goal is to explore ways to end the war in Ukraine. Sources told CNN that this call could lead to a meeting between the two leaders in the coming months.
Trump has long advocated for direct engagement with Putin as a means of resolving the conflict. A source close to the president-elect stated, “Trump believes that direct engagement with Putin is essential to finding a solution to end the war.”
Trump’s national security team reportedly began preparing for it weeks ago. The exact date has not been set.
During his campaign, Trump pledged to end the war within 24 hours of taking office, stating he would call both Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky immediately after his inauguration.
On January 14, he admitted that resolving the conflict might take six months instead.
Russian officials have welcomed the possibility of dialogue. Presidential aide Yuri Ushakov said the new U.S. president typically initiates the first contact. “Usually, the incoming president makes the first call,” he explained.
Russia’s Demands
Putin’s conditions for ending the war include:
Ukrainian withdrawal from occupied territories in Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhia, and Kherson.
Ukraine agreeing to stay out of NATO.
Confirmation of Ukraine’s non-nuclear status.
Removal of Western sanctions on Russia.
Trump’s advisors have suggested that a peace agreement could allow Russia to retain control over approximately 20% of Ukrainian territory currently under occupation.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed hope that Trump could provide "real security guarantees" for Ukraine. Kyiv is calling for NATO membership, security assurances, and the deployment of an international peacekeeping contingent to prevent future Russian aggression.
