Kremlin Refutes Reports of Trump’s Call to Putin on Ukraine Crisis Amid Escalating Conflict

The Kremlin has publicly refuted claims that U.S. President-elect Donald Trump called Russian President Vladimir Putin to urge restraint in Ukraine. The Washington Post reported that Trump allegedly highlighted America’s extensive military assets in Europe as a deterrent to further Russian escalation. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov denied the reports, calling them “pure fiction.” Trump’s communications director, Steven Cheung, declined to comment on private calls, noting only that world leaders had started contacting the president-elect.

The alleged conversation reflects growing global concern over the trajectory of the nearly three-year conflict in Ukraine. Trump has vowed to bring the war to an end, although his specific strategies remain unclear. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, wary of any concessions, previously emphasized that U.S. support is essential for Ukraine’s survival in the face of Russian aggression. Echoing this sentiment, UK Defense Secretary John Healey expressed confidence that the U.S. would continue supporting Ukraine, reinforcing allied positions. Germany’s Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, too, stressed urgency for European countries to amplify aid to Ukraine, warning of potential Russian attempts to leverage the transition period in the U.S. to intensify its offensive.

Rising Hostilities: Major Drone Attacks and Damaged Infrastructure

The conflict has recently intensified with both Russia and Ukraine launching their largest drone offensives since the invasion began. Russia’s Ministry of Defense claimed it intercepted 84 Ukrainian drones over multiple regions, with some reportedly targeting Moscow. This led to flight redirections at three major Moscow airports, highlighting the ongoing risk of civilian disruption. On Ukraine’s side, officials reported that Russia launched 145 drones in widespread assaults on Saturday, which the Ukrainian air force claims to have largely intercepted.

The aerial hostilities come alongside a critical incident in eastern Ukraine, where Russian forces reportedly struck a dam near Kurakhove, Donetsk. Local head Vadym Filashkin warned that damage to the Kurakhove reservoir dam could result in significant flooding along the Vovcha River, posing risks to nearby communities. Both sides blamed each other for the incident.

Increased Civilian Casualties and Infrastructure Attacks

Russia’s intensified strikes have led to rising civilian casualties and infrastructure damage across Ukraine. On Monday, airstrikes killed at least six people and injured 21. Zelensky denounced Russia’s strategy, accusing Moscow of targeting civilian sites and eroding any diplomatic credibility it claims to hold. “Every day, every night, Russia unleashes the same terror,” Zelensky wrote on social media, stressing the need for “stronger global support” and advanced weaponry to counter the aggression.

Russian Territorial Gains Amid Escalating Conflict

As Ukraine attempts to defend against these mounting assaults, Russian forces claim to have achieved notable gains, seizing the village of Kolisnykivka in the Kharkiv region. According to the Institute for the Study of War, these recent advances represent Russia’s largest territorial expansion since March 2022, underscoring Moscow’s renewed focus on securing strategic areas.

While the U.S. presidential transition unfolds, concerns remain high in Washington, with National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan emphasizing that a premature U.S. withdrawal from Ukraine could destabilize Europe. EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell also urged caution, stating that any resolution to the conflict must be sustainable to avoid further instability in the region.

With winter approaching, both sides face logistical and humanitarian pressures that could impact the conflict’s dynamics. European leaders, particularly in Germany and the UK, are calling for increased and immediate aid to Ukraine to prevent any strategic advantage for Russia during this transitional period.