Trump to call Putin post-inauguration, eyes Ukraine peace
Donald Trump plans to have a conversation with Russian leader Vladimir Putin in the first days after his inauguration as President of the United States, CNN reported. Preparations for the conversation and potential meeting have been underway for several weeks.
- The talk will focus on ending the war in Ukraine - a CNN source stated. Trump has repeatedly assured that he will end Russia's war against Ukraine within 24 hours of taking office. However, his associates later indicated it would take more time.
ABC News reported that when asked last week whether Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy would participate in a possible meeting with Putin, Trump's national security advisor, Mike Waltz, did not provide a clear answer.
The Washington Post reported in November that Trump had already spoken by phone with Putin on October 7, 2024, shortly after winning the election. He reportedly urged the prevention of the war's escalation. The Kremlin denied these reports, calling them "pure fiction."
Donald Trump's presidential inauguration
Donald Trump will be inaugurated as the President of the United States at noon, after which he will deliver an address where presidents traditionally set the tone for their terms. In an interview with NBC News, he announced that the speech's motto will be "community and strength, and the word: justice."
For the first time in 40 years, this ceremony will not take place on the steps in front of the east entrance of the Capitol but inside the Capitol Rotunda.
Low temperatures (25°F with a wind chill of 9°F) explained the change. Foreign leaders will attend the ceremony in person for the first time in history, including Argentina's President Javier Milei, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and Georgia's President Salome Zurabishvili.
After the inauguration and artistic performances - including a performance by country star Carrie Underwood - Trump will deliver the inaugural address.
