U.S. President Donald Trump’s inner circle is advising him against speaking with Russian President Vladimir Putin unless Russia commits to a full ceasefire in Ukraine, NBC News reported on Thursday, citing administration officials.
The reported pushback from aides reflects concern over the optics and timing of any direct engagement with the Kremlin while the war in Ukraine continues. According to NBC, one official noted that while advisers are recommending caution, Trump could still decide to call Putin suddenly.
Just days earlier, Trump told NBC News he planned to speak with Putin sometime this week. The potential call has sparked renewed speculation over Trump’s diplomatic approach to ending the three-year conflict in Ukraine — a goal he has repeatedly said he could achieve quickly if re-elected.
No official call has yet been confirmed by the White House or the Kremlin.
Read next
10:50
China and Kazakhstan
China and Kazakhstan have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening their permanent comprehensive strategic partnership, pledging to boost cooperation across key sectors during the second China-Kazakhstan Foreign Ministers' Strategic Dialogue in Beijing.
18:30
AI-powered blood test
A highly accurate blood test that uses artificial intelligence to detect multiple cancers from just a few drops of blood is now entering clinical trials across the UK’s National Health Service.
15:51
Earthquakes
A magnitude-6.3 earthquake jolted Ecuador’s Pacific coast near Esmeraldas early Friday, sending residents into the streets but causing no immediate damage or tsunami alert, according to the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre.
15:26
Trump
In an expansive interview marking his first 100 days back in office, President Donald Trump sketched out an agenda that touches everything from punitive tariffs and China policy to cease-fire hopes in Ukraine and an overhaul of domestic programmes. Below are the highlights.
14:53
U.S.- China trade
U.S. President Donald Trump told *Time* on Friday that he and China’s Xi Jinping are negotiating a tariff deal and have spoken by phone—an account Beijing continues to challenge.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment