US President Donald Trump’s advisors are urging him to hold off on speaking with Russian President Vladimir Putin until Moscow agrees to a full ceasefire in Ukraine, according to a report by NBC News on Thursday.
Citing unnamed administration officials, the report noted that Trump’s inner circle is concerned that initiating dialogue without a concrete commitment from Putin could send the wrong signal and undermine ongoing diplomatic efforts to end the war. The officials stressed the importance of using the potential call as leverage in persuading Russia to halt its military operations entirely.
However, the report also highlighted the unpredictability surrounding Trump’s decision-making. One official acknowledged that while the current advice is to wait, Trump could suddenly choose to reach out to Putin if he feels it is strategically necessary.
A ceasefire could represent a pivotal step toward peace talks, but Western allies remain sceptical of Russia’s intentions without verifiable commitments.
So far, neither the Kremlin nor the White House has officially confirmed plans for a call between the two leaders.
Melissa Enoch
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