The Kremlin on Monday firmly denied reports that US President-elect Donald Trump had recently spoken with Russian President Vladimir Putin, dismissing claims that the two had discussed the ongoing Ukraine conflict. Reports of the alleged conversation first surfaced in The Washington Post, which cited unnamed sources claiming Trump had advised Putin against escalating the situation in Ukraine. Reuters also reported on the alleged call, citing an unnamed source.
Kremlin Labels Report as “Pure Fiction”
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov strongly refuted the reports, calling them “completely untrue.” He characterised the alleged call as “pure fiction” and criticised the spread of what he deemed false information, even by well-regarded publications. “There was no conversation,” Peskov stated, adding that these reports reflect a worrying trend of misinformation even from reputable sources.
No Plans for Trump-Putin Contact Yet, Kremlin Says
When asked if there were any upcoming plans for Putin and Trump to speak, Peskov confirmed that there were no concrete arrangements at this time. The Kremlin’s clear denial leaves questions about the source and accuracy of the initial report, which had speculated on a potential shift in US-Russia relations following Trump’s election.
As it stands, the Kremlin’s stance reflects the current lack of official communication between the two leaders and highlights the ongoing tension and sensitivity surrounding the Ukraine conflict and US-Russia relations.
(With Inputs from Reuters)
