**US Daily WP Reports, Citing Anonymous Sources: “Propose Additional Discussions for Peace Solution”**
After Donald Trump’s win in the presidential election, international attention turned to when he would communicate with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Reports have surfaced that President-elect Trump has already spoken by phone with Putin, warning him not to escalate the war in Ukraine.
The Washington Post (WP) reported on the 10th, citing anonymous sources, that Trump made a phone call to Putin on the 7th, shortly after securing his election victory. According to WP, Trump reminded Putin of the significant presence of US military forces in Europe and cautioned against escalation. He also proposed further discussions to find a solution to end the Russia-Ukraine war.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is also aware of the call and has not raised any specific objections to Trump’s side regarding its content, WP reported. Trump has also had a phone conversation with Zelensky following his election victory.
During his campaign, Trump claimed, “If I become president, I will end the Russia-Ukraine war within 24 hours,” but he consistently refrained from detailing specific methods or means. The specifics of Trump’s peace plan remain shrouded in mystery.
Some speculate, based on Trump’s close relationship with Putin and his negative stance on the Biden administration’s military support to Ukraine, that he may believe peace negotiations should begin on the basis that Ukraine must cede some territory. The Democratic Party, now in opposition following the election defeat, harshly criticizes this approach, accusing Trump of pandering and capitulating to autocrat Putin.
In 2014, Russia forcibly annexed Crimea, which was Ukrainian territory. Eight years later, in February 2022, Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, occupying significant portions of eastern regions such as Donbas. Zelensky has consistently emphasized reclaiming all lost territory, including Crimea, as a goal.
However, Russia maintains that Crimea is not open to negotiation. In June, Putin proposed a ceasefire plan requiring Ukraine to abandon plans to join NATO and demanding the withdrawal of Russian military from territories occupied after the February 2022 invasion.