This is curious. The Washington Post is reporting a phone call between U.S. President-elect Donald Trump and President Vladimir Putin of the Russian Federation.

Vladimir Putin, September 5, 2024: “As for my preferences, it is not up to us to decide. After all, the American people will have to make their own choice. As I have already said, we favoured Mr Biden, the current President, but they took him out of the race. That said, he advised his supporters to support Ms Harris. So, we will act accordingly and lend her our support.”

The Russian establishment profoundly distrusts Donald Trump. Though usually forgotten in the West, it was his administration — not Barack Obama’s or Joe Biden’s – which began the supply of weapons to Ukraine in 2017. Trump also allowed US intelligence to build up the presence in Ukraine that played an important role in preventing Russian victory in the first months of 2022. In fact, apart from some complimentary remarks about Vladimir Putin, the US President-elect has done little to improve relations with Russia.

The proposals all depart from President Joe Biden’s approach of letting Kyiv decide when peace talks should begin. They also all recommend freezing the war where it stands, geographically.

Trump may be willing to trade with Putin, restraining NATO expansion in exchange for less punitive demands on Ukraine

Russians close to the Kremlin voiced optimism that Donald J. Trump could help end the war in Ukraine on Russia’s terms. Vladimir V. Putin said Mr. Trump’s remarks on ending the war “deserve attention.”

Foreign-policy advisers close to the president-elect put forth different versions of a plan to effectively freeze the front line

The joint appearance at Trump Tower comes as the former president has criticized Zelenskyy on the campaign trail.

Examining Trump’s foreign policy failures and outlining a path to peace in the 2024 presidential race

Survey finds strong support for Gaza ceasefire; most believe today’s foreign policy doesn’t put Americans first