Trump-Putin speak as Biden plans to lobby Trump to stick with Ukraine
US President-elect Donald Trump spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin and advised him not to escalate the Ukraine war.
Trump held a separate conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Wednesday. Trump has criticized the extensive US military and financial assistance provided to Ukraine, pledging to quickly end the war, though he has not detailed his plans.
Ukraine's foreign ministry stated that it was not informed in advance of Trump’s call with Putin, and therefore had no comment or stance on the matter.
Steven Cheung, Trump’s communications director, declined to discuss the specifics of the call when questioned, saying, 'We do not comment on private calls between President Trump and other world leaders.' The Washington Post initially reported on the call.
Trump, who defeated Vice President Kamala Harris in the November 5 presidential election, is set to assume office on January 20. The White House has confirmed Biden invited Trump to the Oval Office for a meeting on Wednesday.
US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said Biden plans to convey his commitment to a peaceful transition of power. He also intends to brief Trump on pressing global issues, including the situations in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
Sullivan emphasized Biden’s intention to make a strong case to both Congress and the incoming administration about the importance of continued support for Ukraine, warning that abandoning Kyiv could lead to further instability in Europe.
Sullivan's remarks coincided with Ukraine's recent large-scale drone attack on Moscow, which involved at least 34 drones, marking the most significant strike on the Russian capital since the conflict began.
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