In an unexpected turn of events, the Kremlin vehemently denied the swirling rumors suggesting that President Vladimir Putin had engaged in a clandestine dialogue with President-elect Donald Trump regarding the tumultuous war in Ukraine. A representative for Trump, however, opted for silence, declining to shed light on what he termed the “private calls” between the incoming U.S. leader and various global dignitaries.
The Washington Post ignited speculation on Sunday with an exclusive report, drawing from unnamed sources that claimed a conversation occurred last Thursday. Allegedly, Trump cautioned Putin against escalating hostilities in Ukraine, referencing the significant presence of U.S. military forces scattered throughout Europe. Intrigued? So was the Kremlin.
Responding to the allegations during a press call, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov emphatically declared, “No such conversation took place. The report is entirely fabricated—nothing but pure fiction.” Not to be overshadowed, Trump’s communications director, Steven Cheung, maintained a veil of secrecy, stating, “We do not comment on private calls between President Trump and other world leaders.”
In a separate incident at a foreign policy gathering held in the picturesque Black Sea resort of Sochi, Putin extended a cordial congratulation to Trump on his electoral triumph while commending him for his “heroic” response during a July assassination attempt. The praise seemed to dance around the stark reality overshadowing the backdrop of their nations.
Peskov further revealed a lack of concrete plans concerning any forthcoming discussions between Putin and Trump. While previously hinting that contact before Trump’s inauguration wasn’t entirely off the table—he noted Trump’s intention to reach out prior to taking office—he firmly denied any engagement between Russia’s governing bodies and Trump’s campaign post-election.
Throughout his campaign, Trump consistently claimed that he could swiftly bring an end to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, yet specifics remained as elusive as a shadow in the night. Meanwhile, the conflict intensifies, with Russia escalating strikes on civilian locales as the war nears its 1,000-day marker. In a dramatic response, over the weekend, Ukraine unleashed a significant drone offensive that sent ripples of alarm through Moscow and its neighboring suburbs.
