Russian Stock Market Surges Amid Trump-Putin Ukraine Call
Background:
On Wednesday, President Donald Trump and Russian leader Vladimir Putin held an hour-long phone conversation regarding the Ukraine war. This call signals a potential shift in Washington's stance toward Moscow, raising concerns among European allies.
Market Impact:
Following the call, Russia's stock market experienced a significant surge. The Moscow Exchange index jumped nearly 6%, while the RTS dollar-denominated index gained 9.51%. Energy giant Gazprom and oil company Rosneft also saw substantial gains.
Trump's Call with Putin:
Trump revealed that he discussed negotiations for a potential end to the Ukraine war with Putin. He emphasized their agreement to "work together, very closely." The call sparked fears that the US may attempt to resolve the conflict without consulting its European partners.
European Response:
European leaders stressed the importance of their involvement in any negotiations. They maintained that any agreements made without their input would be ineffective.
Zelenskyy's Reaction:
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed Trump's call and stated that he shared details of his conversation with Putin. Zelenskyy expressed Ukraine's desire for peace and vowed to collaborate with the US on further steps.
Russian Perspective:
Russian officials expressed satisfaction with the Trump-Putin call. They noted that the current US administration's position is more favorable to Russia.
Trump's Recent Statements:
In recent weeks, Trump has made comments that diverge from the Biden administration's strong support for Ukraine. He has suggested that Ukraine could one day become part of Russia and questioned Zelenskyy's popularity.
Poll Data:
A poll conducted in December showed that 52% of Ukrainians trust Zelenskyy, while 46.6% of Americans currently approve of Trump.