WASHINGTON (Gray DC) – President Donald Trump had what he called “a lengthy and highly productive” call with Russian President Vladimir Putin. It’s the start of what Trump described as a U.S.-led negotiation to end the war in Ukraine.
The President on social media saying that much progress was made on his first confirmed call with Putin. He wrote: “We both agreed, we want to stop the millions of deaths taking place in the War with Russia/Ukraine.”
Following up on their call, Gray Media’s White House correspondent Jon Decker asked White House Press Secretary Caroline Leavitt how the President views America’s relationship with Russia.
Jon Decker asked, “Two questions. One on foreign policy. One on domestic policy. Following up on the president’s call that he had with President Putin. Does the president view Russia? Does he view President Putin as an ally, as a partner, as a competitor, or as an adversary?
Karoline Leavitt answered, “I believe this nation views Putin and Russia as a great competitor in the region at times and adversary. But as the president has said as well. He enjoys having good diplomatic relationships with leaders around the world, finding that common ground, also calling them out when they are wrong and leading from a position of peace through strength. That’s the president’s, greatest strength. And we’ve seen that again time and time again.”
Leavitt also had a warning for Congressional Republicans who defy him – responding to Jon Decker’s question about Senator Mitch McConnell’s vote against Tulsi Gabbard to be the Director of National Intelligence.
Jon Decker asked, “There was one Republicans who voted against the nomination of Tulsi Gabbard. It was Senator Mitch McConnell. Similarly, how does the administration view Senator McConnell? Can he be a partner in the president’s legislative agenda? Are you disappointed that he voted against not only Tulsi Gabbard, but also keep your head set to be the defense secretary?
The White House press secretary replied, “I think we’re greatly disappointed in any republic who chooses willfully to vote against the president’s exceptionally qualified, cabinet nominees and picks to lead his America First administration. Not a single Democrat swayed from voting against President Biden’s nominees. And we know how many of them turned out. They turned out to be atrocious at their jobs, leaving America much worse than they were when they took the oath of office. And so, I’ve said it repeatedly from this podium. I addressed it at the beginning of my remarks. We expect all Republicans to vote, to stay tough and strong, vote for President Trump’s nominee so we can get to work, and continue to work very hard to implement this president’s agenda. ”
President Trump also spoke Wednesday with Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky, confirming on social media that the U.S. and Russia plan to have their “respective teams start negotiations immediately.” This came after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Wednesday ruled out NATO membership for Ukraine during meetings at NATO headquarters in Brussels.
Copyright 2025 Gray DC. All rights reserved.