Key Takeaways
- Russian President Vladimir Putin and former U.S. President Donald Trump held a 75-minute phone call, agreeing that Ukraine must make a "bold decision" on Donbas without delay and that a temporary EU-Ukraine ceasefire would prolong the conflict.
- The call, initiated by Trump and described as amicable, precedes a planned meeting between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, with both leaders agreeing to speak again after that encounter.
- UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer reaffirmed "steadfast support" for Ukraine in a detailed phone call with President Zelenskyy, welcoming ongoing diplomacy and praising Trump's continued engagement in securing peace.
- Ukraine denies Russian claims of full control over Huliaipole, while a Ukrainian MP expressed optimism that the upcoming Zelenskyy-Trump meeting would serve Kyiv's interests.
In a significant diplomatic development, Russian President Vladimir Putin and former U.S. President Donald Trump engaged in a 75-minute phone call, signaling a potential alignment on the future of the conflict in Ukraine. The conversation, initiated by Trump and characterized by an amicable tone, saw both leaders concur that Ukraine must make a "bold decision" regarding the Donbas region without delay. They also reportedly believe that a temporary ceasefire proposed by the European Union and Ukraine would only prolong the conflict.
Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov confirmed that Putin and Trump discussed Ukraine ahead of Trump's upcoming meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and plan to speak again following that engagement. Trump reportedly "listened carefully" to Russia’s assessment of Ukraine settlement prospects during their call. The leaders also exchanged Christmas greetings.
Meanwhile, ahead of his meeting with Donald Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a detailed phone call with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Downing Street stated that PM Starmer reaffirmed the UK's "steadfast support for Ukraine" and its commitment to achieving a "just and lasting peace." Both leaders welcomed ongoing diplomatic efforts and commended Donald Trump's continued engagement in securing peace.
From Kyiv's perspective, Ukrainian MP Volodymyr Ariev stated that they expect the meeting between Zelenskyy and Trump to serve Kyiv's interests. On the battlefield, Ukraine has refuted Moscow's claim of capturing the entire town of Huliaipole, stating that only a portion of it is under Russian control.
Ed Liston is a senior contributing editor at TheStockMarketWatch.com. An active market watcher and investor, Ed guides an independent team of experienced analysts and writes for multiple stock trader publications.