Kremlin Addresses Claims of Trump-Putin Phone Conversation in Light of Ukraine Crisis

Russian officials neither affirm nor reject claims of communication between U.S. President Donald Trump and President Vladimir Putin concerning the current conflict in Ukraine.

The Kremlin has formally chosen not to confirm or deny reports about a phone conversation between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

This follows a Saturday report from the New York Post, which alleged that Trump indicated he had spoken with Putin to discuss efforts to resolve the conflict in Ukraine.

The report stated that Trump claimed Putin expressed a wish to end the loss of life in the area.

In remarks to the TASS state news agency, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov suggested he could not confirm the phone call took place, implying he might not be aware of it.

"What can I say about this news item? As the Washington administration expands its activities, various communications inevitably arise. These communications occur through multiple channels," Peskov remarked.

He added that due to the sheer volume of communications, it’s possible for him to be unaware of specific discussions.

Peskov has previously rejected claims regarding conversations between Trump and Putin during Trump’s earlier presidential term.

The Kremlin has also pointed out that it is looking for "signals" about a possible in-person meeting between Trump and Putin, highlighting that no representatives from Trump’s new administration have reached out to organize such a meeting.

Since Trump took office, formal channels between Washington and Moscow have remained mostly silent concerning direct dialogue between the two leaders.