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Trump signals intent to speak with Putin, prioritizes immigration crackdown

08.11.2024 12:00
President-elect Donald Trump announced Thursday that he expects to speak soon with Russian President Vladimir Putin, while confirming he has already spoken with around 70 world leaders.
Republican presidential candidate Donald J. Trump addresses supporters at the Election Night watch party in the West Palm Beach Convention Center in West Palm Beach, Florida, USA, 06 November 2024.
Republican presidential candidate Donald J. Trump addresses supporters at the Election Night watch party in the West Palm Beach Convention Center in West Palm Beach, Florida, USA, 06 November 2024. EPA/CRISTOBAL HERRERA-ULASHKEVICH

Among them were Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, with whom Trump reported a "very good" conversation, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, though Trump declined to share details of the latter discussion.

Trump, who has yet to receive an official congratulatory message from the Kremlin, noted that he anticipates initiating contact with Putin soon. While Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov and Russia’s Foreign Ministry have not extended formal congratulations, they reiterated that the U.S. is still listed among Russia’s “unfriendly countries.”

Nonetheless, in a recent speech at the Valdai Discussion Club, Putin acknowledged Trump’s win, expressing a cautious interest in potential talks to resolve the Ukraine crisis and improve U.S.-Russia relations.

Trump reiterated his commitment to his campaign pledge to make border security and mass deportations a top priority once in office, aiming to carry out “the largest deportation operation in the country’s history.”

According to CNN, Trump’s team has begun discussions with private-sector firms to facilitate the deportation of over 11 million undocumented immigrants, with Trump emphasizing that the cost of the operation is “not a concern.”

Trump’s remarks underscore his intention to focus on immigration and seek diplomatic openings, possibly including efforts to end the conflict in Ukraine—one of his key pre-election promises.

(jh)

Source: PAP