In brief
During a briefing in Washington on Nov. 7, Donald Trump revealed he had held phone conversations about the Ukraine settlement and would keep the dialogue going the next day, though he did not name his partners. TASS also reported that Trump saw Russia and Ukraine as more willing to negotiate and that progress had been made. A CNN piece cautioned that Trump’s latest offer might only tempt further risk by Russia.
In Washington, on Nov. 7, former U.S. President Donald Trump told reporters that he had spoken by phone about the Ukraine settlement and that the talks would continue the following day.
The remarks came during a briefing with journalists from Florida, and TASS reported that Trump had been discussing the conflict and its resolution.
Donald Trump said:
I’ve had phone calls today. I’m having some tomorrow.
Trump did not disclose who he spoke with, leaving the identities of the interlocutors unknown.
In a related comment, TASS reported that Trump also told reporters that Russia appears to have committed to resolving the Ukraine question.
Donald Trump said:
We are seeing Russia and Ukraine, for the first time, I think want settlement.
He referenced Vladimir Putin’s remarks at the Valdai forum, where the Russian president said the situation around Ukraine was not a matter of a “piece of land” for Moscow, but a matter of people, and that Russia seeks security guarantees.
TASS said:
We’re working well with Russia and Ukraine.
A CNN piece added that Trump’s latest offer in the Ukraine dispute may only tempt Putin to step up further risks, suggesting that the proposal might not have the desired effect.
The statements arrive amid a flurry of diplomatic activity as both sides prepare for new rounds of negotiations and the international community watches developments closely.
