US President-elect Donald Trump recently held a phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, advising him not to escalate the ongoing war in Ukraine, according to a source familiar with the discussion. This call comes as President Joe Biden plans to meet with Trump to urge him not to withdraw US support for Ukraine.
Details of Trump-Putin Call Unclear, Ukraine Left Out
The call between Trump and Putin occurred in the last few days, with Trump also speaking to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Wednesday. The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry indicated that it had not been notified in advance about the Trump-Putin conversation and therefore could neither support nor oppose it. Trump’s communications director, Steven Cheung, declined to comment on the private exchange between the two leaders, which was initially reported by The Washington Post.
Biden to Meet Trump: The Agenda Ahead
Trump, who is set to assume office on January 20 after his victory over Vice President Kamala Harris in the November 5 election, has been invited to the White House by President Biden for a meeting on Wednesday. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said that Biden’s main objective during the meeting will be to ensure a peaceful transfer of power. He will also use the opportunity to discuss critical global issues, including the situation in Ukraine, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
Biden’s Urgent Message: Why the US Must Stay Committed to Ukraine
Sullivan emphasized that Biden’s key message will be a plea to Congress and the incoming administration to maintain US support for Ukraine. “Walking away from Ukraine means more instability in Europe,” Sullivan stated during a CBS News interview. His comments came as Ukraine launched a significant drone strike on Moscow, marking the largest such attack on the Russian capital since the war began.
Uncertainty Over Further US Funding for Ukraine
When asked whether Biden would push Congress to authorize additional funding for Ukraine, Sullivan refrained from offering specific legislative proposals. However, he underscored the need for continued US resources to support Ukraine beyond the Biden administration’s tenure.
Trump’s Criticism of US Aid to Ukraine
Trump has consistently criticized the extensive US military and financial aid to Ukraine, which has totaled tens of billions of dollars since Russia’s invasion in February 2022. He has argued that if he had been president, Putin would not have invaded Ukraine and suggested that Ukraine may need to cede territory to reach a peace deal, a position that Zelensky and many Western allies reject. Trump’s stance contrasts with that of President Biden, who has steadfastly supported Ukraine’s territorial integrity.
Concerns Over Future US Policy on Ukraine
Zelensky has expressed skepticism about Trump’s plans to end the war quickly, fearing that it could lead to significant concessions from Ukraine. Meanwhile, the US Government Accountability Office reported that Congress has approved over $174 billion in aid to Ukraine under Biden. This financial support is expected to decrease under Trump’s leadership, especially with Republicans gaining control of the Senate.
Republican Views on US Support for Ukraine
With Republicans on track to take control of the US Senate, some GOP figures, such as Senator Bill Hagerty, a Trump ally, have voiced opposition to continued US funding for Ukraine. Hagerty argued that the US should prioritize protecting its own sovereignty before allocating resources to defend that of other nations.
The War in Ukraine: A Turning Point?
The conflict, now entering its third year, appears to be reaching a critical juncture, with Moscow’s forces making the fastest advances since the early days of the invasion. There is growing speculation that the war could soon enter its final phase, possibly involving peace talks, which have been absent since the early stages of the conflict. Russia currently controls around 20% of Ukraine’s territory and insists that the war will not end until its annexations are recognized. Ukraine, on the other hand, demands the return of all its territory, a stance supported by its Western allies.
