Media: Trump-Putin Phone Call
Date:
February 10, 2017
According to US officials,
U.S President Donald Trump
made a phone call to his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, to discuss issues regarding Ukraine and other topics. The call, which lasted for nearly an hour, took place on Saturday, February 11, 2017, and marked their first direct conversation since Trump’s inauguration on January 20, 2017.
During the call, Trump reportedly urged Putin to “avoid escalation in Ukraine,” emphasizing the importance of respecting international law and sovereignty. According to a senior White House official, Trump also expressed his desire for improved relations between the United States and Russia, but emphasized that any improvements would depend on Russia’s actions.
The conversation came amid heightened tensions between the United States and Russia, following the U.S. allegations that Moscow had interfered in the 2016 presidential election and the expulsion of thirty-five Russian diplomats from the United States. The White House official emphasized that Trump’s call to Putin was not an attempt to normalize relations but rather a continuation of efforts by the U.S. government to engage Russia on issues of mutual concern.
Reactions:
The call received mixed reactions from politicians and experts. Some saw it as a positive step towards improving relations between the United States and Russia, while others criticized it as an indication of weakness on Trump’s part. Regardless of the reaction, one thing is clear: the phone call between Trump and Putin marks a significant moment in the complex relationship between the two countries.