Russian President Vladimir Putin may have a conversation with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump before the latter’s inauguration in January, though the Kremlin has clarified it won’t initiate contact, spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated Thursday.
Trump, who achieved a historic second term in the White House on Wednesday, has committed to ending the ongoing war in Ukraine ahead of his swearing-in. His criticism of President Joe Biden’s continued support for Ukraine has raised concerns in Kyiv over a potential shift in U.S. policy, with fears that Washington might pause arms supplies. This pause could undermine Ukraine’s defense capabilities as it faces Russia’s gradual advances on the ground.
“It’s not ruled out,” Peskov remarked when asked about the prospect of Putin and Trump engaging in a pre-inauguration discussion. “Trump himself has indicated he’d call Putin prior to the inauguration. That’s his statement, and we don’t have further details for now.”
Earlier on Wednesday, Peskov had emphasized that while Putin remains “open” to engaging with Trump, Russia will not be the first to re-establish the dialogue.
Kurt Volker, who previously served as Trump’s envoy for the Russia-Ukraine conflict from 2017 to 2019, shared that he expects Trump to reach out to Putin with the objective of quickly resolving the war.
“I believe Trump will make contact with Putin soon and urge an immediate end to hostilities,” Volker told the Kyiv Independent following the election announcement.
“That could initiate a conversation on how the resolution unfolds,” Volker added. “Trump seems intent on stopping the conflict once he’s officially in office.”
The Wall Street Journal reports that Trump’s transition team has suggested proposals to freeze the war in Ukraine, a move that could potentially cement Moscow’s territorial gains.
