Trump warns Putin in call not to intensify war in Ukraine

Driving the news: The source said Trump's message to Putin was roughly: "Don't escalate because I have weapons, too."

• While the call wasn't made public by either Trump or Putin, the president-elect notified Zelensky that it had taken place.
• The Washington Post first reported about the call and Trump's message to Putin.

What they're saying: Steven Cheung, a spokesperson for Trump, told Axios the president-elect's team does not comment on private calls he has held with other world leaders.

• "President Trump won a historic election decisively and leaders from around the world know America will return to prominence on the world stage," he said.
• "That is why leaders have begun the process of developing stronger relationships with the 45th and 47th President because he represents global peace and stability."

Zoom in: Trump spoke with Zelensky on Wednesday and sources said the Ukrainian leader was somewhat reassured by what he heard from the president-elect during the call, which Elon Musk joined.

• Trump has previously criticized military aid to Ukraine, raising concerns among NATO allies about what his second term will mean for Kiev, but sources said his call with Zelensky went well.

• Zelensky discussed with Trump in September a possible diplomatic path for ending the war with Russia during a meeting in New York at which the Republican pledged not to abandon Ukraine, three sources with knowledge of that talk said.

Go deeper: Biden's White House will continue to "surge" aid to Ukraine

Editor's note: This article has been updated with comment from Trump spokesperson Steven Cheung and with more context.