US President-elect Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a telephonic conversation recently. Mr Trump urged the Russian President to avoid any escalation in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. During the phone call, Mr. Trump expressed an interest in fostering further discussions with Moscow to de-escalate tensions and resolve the two-and-a-half-year-long conflict. US media outlets reported that Mr Trump highlighted the significance of the substantial US military presence in Europe, suggesting that he intends to bring American influence to bear on the resolution of the Ukraine conflict.

 

Earlier on Wednesday, Trump spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. During the conversation, the Ukrainian President expressed optimism about collaborating with the incoming administration to secure peace and stability in the region.