The Kremlin has dismissed claims of a phone conversation between US President-elect Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, in which Trump was reportedly said to have warned Putin against further aggression in Ukraine.
The alleged call, first reported by the Washington Post, has stirred speculation amid heightened tensions between Russia and Ukraine following the largest drone attacks since the war began.
As the conflict in Ukraine escalates with both sides reporting intense drone strikes, the geopolitical atmosphere has been further charged by unverified reports of a phone call between US President-elect Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
According to the Washington Post, the call allegedly took place on Thursday, with Trump reportedly mentioning America’s military presence in Europe as a signal of caution to Putin.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov swiftly denied any call had taken place, while Trump’s communications director, Steven Cheung, declined to confirm or deny the conversation, stating that private calls with world leaders are not disclosed.
This report arrives during a period of heightened military actions. Over the weekend, Russia launched a record number of drones targeting Ukraine, while Ukraine claimed to intercept 84 drones aimed at Russian territory.
Both nations reported damages and casualties, with Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky decrying the persistent strikes on civilian areas. “Every day, every night, Russia unleashes the same terror,” he tweeted, urging stronger global support and additional military aid.
Meanwhile, Trump, who has promised to bring an end to the conflict without detailing his approach, has reportedly been in contact with Ukrainian President Zelensky since his election win. Zelensky, who remains wary of any potential peace deals that might involve ceding Ukrainian territory, has highlighted the critical role of US support in sustaining Ukraine’s defense efforts.
While the Kremlin publicly notes “positive” signals from Trump’s incoming administration, analysts remain uncertain about Trump’s strategy regarding Ukraine. British Defence Secretary John Healey expressed confidence that the US will continue supporting allies, noting, “I expect the US to remain alongside allies like the UK, standing with Ukraine for as long as it takes.”
On the battlefield, Russia has reported significant territorial gains, including the capture of Kolisnykivka in the Kharkiv region. These advances mark some of the most substantial since early 2022, adding pressure on Western leaders to sustain military and diplomatic efforts in Ukraine. As diplomatic tensions mount, the question of how Trump’s administration will approach the conflict adds a complex layer to an already volatile situation.
