Did Trump and Putin really talk about ending the war in Ukraine? Kremlin says no

In the latest twist on international relations, a media report claims that U.S. President-elect Donald Trump recently held a phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin. According to the Washington Post, the two leaders supposedly discussed a potential end to the ongoing war in Ukraine, a hot-button topic for the global community. However, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov strongly denied that the call ever took place, labelling the report as "pure fiction."

What was allegedly discussed?

According to sources quoted in the Washington Post, Trump, speaking from his Florida resort, advised Putin against escalating the conflict in Ukraine, reminding him of the substantial U.S. military presence in Europe. The sources indicated that Trump wants to avoid starting his upcoming term with a full-blown crisis in Ukraine, and as a result, he expressed interest in future talks aimed at "peace on the European continent."

This alleged conversation comes shortly after Trump’s recent election victory, which has already seen him speak with over 70 world leaders, including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Kremlin denies it all

In Moscow, Peskov was quick to push back against the story, saying that the entire report is "completely untrue." Russian state media outlet TASS quoted Peskov, who dismissed the idea that any conversation had taken place, further dampening any speculation of recent talks between the two leaders.

The conflicting narratives have certainly captured the world's attention. Steven Cheung, Trump’s communications director, declined to confirm or deny the report, emphasising that leaders worldwide are eager to strengthen ties with Trump, the man they see as a beacon for peace and stability.

While the Kremlin insists there was no call, the news has many wondering what a Trump-Putin partnership might mean for global politics — particularly with respect to the conflict in Ukraine. As the date of Trump’s inauguration on January 20, 2025, approaches, the world waits to see if Trump’s foreign policy will indeed bring peace, as he seems to have hinted, or if tensions will persist.

Stay tuned for more developments as the new administration prepares to take the reins, promising a new era of diplomacy — whether through phone calls or otherwise.

(With inputs from agencies)