Trump and Putin discuss peace: Kremlin remains tight-lipped
The Kremlin neither confirms nor denies reports of a phone conversation between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin, stated the Russian leader's spokesman, Dmitry Peskov. On Sunday, the U.S. President acknowledged that he had a phone call with Vladimir Putin about ending the war in Ukraine.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said he "neither confirms nor denies" American media reports about a phone conversation between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin. According to The New York Post, the leaders discussed ending the war in Ukraine.
Donald Trump admitted that he spoke by phone with Vladimir Putin about ending the war in Ukraine.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov neither confirmed nor denied these reports, pointing out different communication channels. Trump emphasized that he has a good relationship with Putin and believes that the Russian leader also wants to end the conflict.
In an interview with "The New York Post," Trump, when asked about the number of talks with Putin, replied that it's "better that he doesn't say it." He added that the Russian leader "wants people to stop dying." During the interview aboard Air Force One, Trump did not want to reveal the number of talks with Putin, saying it's "better that he doesn't say it." He expressed hope for a quick end to the war, stressing that people die every day.
When asked for a comment on these reports, Peskov stated that "there are many different messages appearing." "This communication takes place through different channels. Personally, I may not know something, be unaware of something. Therefore, in this case, I cannot confirm it or deny it," said the Kremlin spokesman.
Donald Trump announced that if an agreement is not reached, he will impose high taxes and sanctions on Russia.
Trump has repeatedly emphasized his desire to end the war and readiness to meet with Putin to discuss the issue. At the beginning of the month, Reuters reported that Russia is considering organizing a summit in Saudi Arabia or the United Arab Emirates. Leonid Slutsky, head of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the State Duma, stated that preparations for such a meeting are at an "advanced stage" and it could happen in February or March.
In a conversation with The New York Post, Trump revealed that he has been negotiating with Putin to end the conflict. Mike Waltz, the U.S. National Security Advisor, joined the talks and suggested starting meetings. However, the Kremlin and the White House have not yet started discussions about a possible meeting of the leaders.
Trump told "The New York Post" that he "always had good relations with Putin" and has a specific plan to end the war, though he did not disclose details. "I hope it happens quickly," said Trump. "People are dying every day. This war in Ukraine is so bad. I want to end this damn thing."
According to Reuters, Leonid Slutsky suggested that a meeting between Trump and Putin could take place in February or March, and preparations for the summit are at an "advanced stage." Both leaders have expressed a desire to meet, and Trump would like to discuss ending the war, fulfilling his campaign promise.
On Friday, Donald Trump announced that he would likely meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy next week.
