\\Russia Denies Reported Trump-Putin Call on Ukraine Amid Ongoing Conflict\\

Putin and Trump pictured together at a summit in Vietnam in 2017

The Kremlin has denied a recent report from 'The Washington Post' claiming President-elect Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin had a call last Thursday regarding the war in Ukraine. According to the report, Trump allegedly urged Putin to avoid escalating the conflict, mentioning the U.S.’s significant military presence in Europe. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov called the report "pure fiction," insisting no such call occurred. Meanwhile, Trump’s communications director, Steven Cheung, declined to comment, citing a policy against discussing private calls.

Growing Uncertainty Over U.S. Support for Ukraine\\

While Trump has stated his intention to end the nearly three-year-long war in Ukraine, his plans for doing so remain unclear. During his campaign, he suggested a shift toward negotiating peace, yet critics worry this could mean conceding Ukrainian territory to Russia. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has warned that without continued U.S. support, Ukraine’s resistance could falter, while European allies like UK Defence Secretary John Healey have expressed hope that Trump will maintain American commitment to Ukraine.

European Leaders Voice Concerns During Transition Period\\

As Europe grapples with the possibility of a policy shift under Trump, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell emphasized that any peace plan must be sustainable, cautioning against rushing an agreement. Similarly, Germany’s Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock voiced concern that Russia might use the U.S. transition period to push for territorial gains in Ukraine, urging European countries to increase aid and not wait for further American involvement.

Escalating Drone Attacks in Ukraine and Russia\\

The reported Trump-Putin call denial comes amid escalating military action between Russia and Ukraine. Both sides have intensified drone warfare, with Russia launching a record 145 drones across Ukraine on Saturday night, and Ukraine reportedly sending drones that forced Moscow to reroute flights. Recent airstrikes on Ukraine have left numerous casualties, while Russian advances, particularly in Kharkiv, have led to Russia's most significant territorial gains since early 2022.As the U.S. prepares for a transition in leadership, Ukraine’s leaders and European allies are watching closely to see how Trump’s policies will affect the ongoing conflict and regional stability.