Kremlin Denies Claims of Private Trump-Putin Calls Following Ukraine Invasion
In a new book by renowned U.S. journalist Bob Woodward, explosive claims have emerged about former U.S. President Donald Trump’s private communications with Russian President Vladimir Putin, including secret phone calls after Trump left office. The book, titled "War", also alleges that Trump covertly sent COVID-19 test machines to Putin during the height of the pandemic in 2020 while still in office. Both Trump and the Kremlin have denied the allegations, adding fuel to an already contentious 2024 U.S. presidential election season.
Alleged Trump-Putin Private Calls
According to Woodward, Trump has spoken privately with Putin on at least seven occasions since leaving the White House in 2021. The book suggests these calls took place despite the escalating conflict between Russia and Ukraine, and the U.S.'s support for Ukraine. Woodward claims that during one of these calls, Trump even asked a staffer to leave his office at his Mar-a-Lago residence, emphasizing the private nature of his conversation with Putin.
These revelations, if true, raise questions about Trump’s relationship with the Russian leader during a time when relations between the U.S. and Russia have severely deteriorated due to the Ukraine war. The Kremlin, however, has firmly denied the reports, with spokesperson Dmitry Peskov dismissing them as false.
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COVID-19 Tests Sent to Moscow
One of the book's most striking claims is that Trump, during the peak of the pandemic in 2020, secretly sent a batch of COVID-19 test machines to Putin. According to Woodward, Putin accepted the equipment but urged Trump to keep the transaction private to avoid political backlash in the U.S. Woodward quotes Putin as allegedly saying, "I don't want you to tell anyone because people will get mad at you, not me."
These claims have caused a stir, particularly among Trump's political opponents, including current President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, both of whom have criticized Trump’s handling of the pandemic. Biden, during a campaign event in Pennsylvania, slammed Trump for his alleged actions, calling his response to the pandemic a "shame" that cost over a million American lives.
Denials from Trump and the Kremlin
Trump has categorically denied Woodward's claims. In an interview with ABC News, Trump referred to Woodward as "a storyteller" and accused the veteran journalist of losing his credibility. Trump, who previously participated in interviews with Woodward for the 2021 book "Rage", later sued Woodward over claims that recordings from those interviews were used without his permission. Both Woodward and his publisher denied the allegations.
The Kremlin also swiftly responded to the claims, denying that Putin had any private conversations with Trump after he left office. Dmitry Peskov, Putin’s spokesperson, called the reports “false” and emphasized that there were no such discussions.
Political Fallout Ahead of 2024 Election
Woodward’s book comes at a critical time, just weeks ahead of the 2024 U.S. presidential election, where Trump is campaigning to return to the White House in a tight race against Vice President Kamala Harris. The allegations could potentially shape the narrative around Trump’s candidacy, especially in light of his controversial foreign policy decisions during his presidency.
Harris, too, has weighed in on the revelations, recently stating that Trump had been "played" by Putin during the pandemic. In a CBS interview, Harris said that Trump’s actions amounted to a "surrender" to Moscow, and she reiterated her disapproval of Trump's stance on Ukraine.
The Essence of Evil?
In "War", Woodward is unflinching in his criticism of both Trump and Biden. He calls Trump “the most reckless and impulsive president in American history” and describes Biden’s struggles in navigating complex foreign policy issues. Woodward also quotes Biden harshly condemning Putin as “the embodiment of evil” and referring to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as a "liar."
As the book hits shelves on October 15, just weeks before the election, its impact could be far-reaching, adding fuel to the ongoing debate over Trump’s relationship with Russia, as well as the broader foreign policy challenges facing the U.S. under both the Biden and Trump administrations.
Conclusion
While the claims in "War" have been denied by both Trump and the Kremlin, the allegations will likely remain a focal point of debate as the 2024 U.S. presidential election draws near. Woodward’s new book sheds light on the ongoing complexities of U.S.-Russia relations and raises questions about the private dealings of former leaders, even in the face of public denial.
Both Trump's critics and supporters will no doubt watch closely as the political landscape continues to shift leading up to the election.
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