- Trump says he spoke with Putin and the conversation was 'very good'.
- The call could signal potential diplomatic shifts in US-Russia relations.
- No immediate confirmation from Kremlin or US officials.
Trump-Putin Call Raises Eyebrows
Former President Donald Trump said he spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday, describing the conversation as 'very good.' The announcement came without advance notice, catching many foreign policy observers off guard.
'I had a very good conversation with President Putin today,' Trump said in a brief statement. He offered no further details about the topics discussed, but the call is likely to fuel speculation about backchannel diplomacy as the war in Ukraine grinds on.
According to people familiar with the matter, the call was initiated by Trump and lasted approximately 30 minutes. The Kremlin has not yet confirmed the conversation, and a spokesperson declined to comment when reached.
The call marks the first publicly acknowledged direct communication between Trump and Putin since Trump left office. During his presidency, Trump frequently drew criticism for his warm relationship with the Russian leader.
Implications for Ukraine and NATO
The news comes at a delicate moment. European allies are watching nervously as US aid to Ukraine faces delays in Congress. A senior European diplomat, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the call 'could complicate efforts to maintain a unified Western front.'
Analysts are divided. Some see the call as an attempt by Trump to position himself as a peacemaker, while others worry it undermines President Joe Biden's administration. 'Any private communication between a former US president and Putin sets a dangerous precedent,' said a former State Department official.
Market and Energy Fallout
Investors are also taking note. Oil prices edged lower on the news, with Brent crude falling 1.2% to $82.50 a barrel, as traders weighed the possibility of eased sanctions on Russian energy exports. European gas futures slipped 0.8%.
'If Trump were to return to office and pursue a more conciliatory line with Russia, that could reshape energy markets,' said an energy analyst at a London-based consultancy.
No Official Response Yet
Neither the Trump campaign nor the Kremlin has released a transcript or readout of the call. The White House declined to comment. Some Republican lawmakers expressed support for the outreach, while Democrats voiced alarm.
'This is exactly the kind of freelancing that weakens America's standing,' said a senior Democratic senator.
Correction: An earlier version of this article misstated the date of the call. It took place Thursday, not Wednesday.