Trump and Putin Hold Talks as Biden Prepares to Urge Continued U.S. Support for Ukraine
In a recent development, U.S. President-elect Donald Trump reportedly spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin, advising him to avoid further escalation in the ongoing Ukraine conflict, according to a source familiar with the conversation.
This call, revealed by Reuters on Sunday, comes as President Joe Biden prepares to meet with Trump, with plans to stress the importance of continued support for Ukraine amid the intensifying war.
The Trump-Putin call took place over the past few days, and shortly after, Trump also spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Wednesday.
Trump, who has often criticized the extent of U.S. financial and military aid to Ukraine, has vowed to end the war quickly, though he has yet to disclose specific details on how he intends to achieve that goal. The call has sparked discussions, particularly as the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry noted it was not informed in advance, leaving officials unable to endorse or comment on the interaction.
Trump’s communications director, Steven Cheung, responded to inquiries about the call with a measured statement: “We do not comment on private calls between President Trump and other world leaders.” Russia’s embassy in Washington has yet to respond to the news, adding another layer of intrigue to the diplomatic activity.
With the transition period underway, Biden has invited Trump to the Oval Office this Wednesday, following Trump’s recent victory over Vice President Kamala Harris in the November 5 election. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan clarified that Biden’s primary message will be his commitment to ensuring a peaceful transition of power.
However, Biden also intends to discuss several critical international concerns with Trump, including the situation in Ukraine, as well as broader issues in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
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Sullivan emphasized Biden’s perspective on the Ukraine conflict during an appearance on CBS News’ Face the Nation: “President Biden will have the opportunity over the next 70 days to make the case to the Congress and to the incoming administration that the United States should not walk away from Ukraine, as abandoning Ukraine would mean greater instability in Europe.”
Biden’s stance underscores a stark contrast with Trump’s position, raising questions about the future trajectory of U.S. foreign policy, particularly with respect to its ongoing commitment to support Ukraine.
Coinciding with these political conversations, the Ukraine conflict itself has shown little sign of abating. On Sunday, Ukraine launched the largest drone strike on Moscow since the start of the war, deploying at least 34 drones.
This aggressive escalation serves as a stark reminder of the conflict’s intensity and the potential consequences of any shifts in international support for Ukraine. As Biden continues his diplomatic efforts, this latest development may heighten urgency around U.S. and NATO involvement in the region.
While Biden has expressed a strong desire to secure ongoing support for Ukraine, the question of additional U.S. funding remains uncertain. When asked if Biden would seek legislative approval for more financial aid, Sullivan declined to propose any specific measures.
However, he affirmed that Biden intends to make the case for continued U.S. resources for Ukraine beyond the end of his term. This message reflects Biden’s commitment to a stable European landscape, even as Trump and others express a more cautious stance on further U.S. involvement.
These unfolding conversations highlight a pivotal moment for U.S. foreign policy. As Trump prepares to assume office on January 20, his stance on Ukraine and other international issues could reshape the country’s global engagement.
Biden’s meeting with Trump may provide a clearer picture of the diplomatic priorities that will guide the next administration, including strategies for maintaining stability in Europe and responding to evolving security challenges.
For now, the international community watches closely as these diplomatic developments unfold, awaiting clarity on the United States’ role in supporting Ukraine and preserving global stability. The stakes are high, with ramifications that extend far beyond the United States, potentially impacting alliances and security dynamics across Europe and beyond.
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Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the U.S. has provided tens of billions in military and economic support to Ukraine—aid that President-elect Donald Trump and many Republican lawmakers have openly criticized.
Trump claims that Putin wouldn’t have invaded had he been in office and suggested Ukraine may need to cede some territory for peace, a stance rejected by both Ukraine and the Biden administration. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy recently expressed doubts about Trump’s plans for a swift end to the war, suspecting they would require significant concessions.
With Congress having allocated over $174 billion to Ukraine under Biden, the aid flow is expected to slow as Republicans gain control of the Senate and potentially the House. GOP leaders, like Senator Bill Hagerty, emphasize prioritizing American interests over foreign conflicts, echoing Trump’s stance on U.S. spending abroad.
Meanwhile, Russia continues to occupy about 20% of Ukraine, insisting on recognition of its annexations as a condition for peace. With both sides firm in their demands, any path to resolution remains complex, even as hopes for renewed peace talks grow.