Trump wants to call Putin

Trump hopes to quickly begin work on a settlement plan that could be implemented within the first few months of his presidency, particularly through a direct conversation with Putin. Officials on Trump's national security team began working on a phone call with Putin weeks ago, according to CNN.

Once Trump takes office, U.S. and Russian officials can begin serious work on organizing a face-to-face meeting. The new president has said talks are already being organized, but the Kremlin has said it will wait until Trump takes office to begin formal preparations. Switzerland and Serbia have said they are ready to host the presidents.

Any talks between the two presidents would reflect a sharp departure from the approach of President Joseph Biden, who has not spoken directly with Putin in nearly three years. Trump sees things differently.

His view, as laid out by a person familiar with his thinking, is that direct engagement with Putin is exactly what is needed to find a solution that will end the war.

Photo: screenshot.