Former President Donald Trump recently spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin, raising questions about U.S. policy direction. President Joe Biden is set to meet with Trump on Wednesday to discuss key national priorities, including urging continued U.S. support for Ukraine amid the ongoing conflict.

WEST PALM BEACH, Florida/WASHINGTON, Nov 10 – President-elect Donald Trump recently held discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin, advising against escalating the ongoing Ukraine conflict, according to sources familiar with the matter. This development comes as President Joe Biden prepares to meet with Trump to urge continued U.S. support for Kyiv.

The conversations between Trump and Putin took place in recent days, following a separate call between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Wednesday. Trump, who has consistently criticized the scale of U.S. military and financial aid to Ukraine, has vowed to bring the war to a swift conclusion, though the specifics of his strategy remain unclear.

Ukraine’s Response

Ukraine’s foreign ministry confirmed it had not been notified in advance of the call between Trump and Putin, stating it could neither endorse nor oppose the discussion.

“We do not comment on private calls between President Trump and other world leaders,” said Steven Cheung, Trump’s communications director, when asked about the call, which was first reported by The Washington Post.

The Russian embassy in Washington has yet to respond to requests for comment on the matter. The lack of prior notice to Ukraine reflects the sensitive nature of Trump’s outreach to global leaders, especially in the context of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Presidential Transition

Trump, a Republican, is set to take office on January 20 after defeating Vice President Kamala Harris in the November 5 election. The White House confirmed that President Biden has invited Trump to the Oval Office for a meeting on Wednesday.

U.S. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said that Biden’s main message during the meeting will focus on ensuring a peaceful transfer of power. Biden also plans to discuss critical global issues with Trump, including developments in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.

This meeting underscores the importance of continuity in U.S. foreign policy as Trump prepares for his administration, particularly in regard to Ukraine.

Continued Support for Ukraine

Biden will use the next 70 days to advocate for continued U.S. support for Ukraine, Sullivan stated during a Sunday appearance on CBS News’ Face the Nation. He emphasized that withdrawing support from Ukraine would lead to greater instability in Europe. Sullivan’s comments coincided with a significant escalation in the conflict, as Ukraine launched its largest drone strike on Moscow to date, deploying at least 34 drones.

The Biden administration continues to stress the strategic importance of supporting Ukraine, framing it as essential to maintaining stability in Europe amid rising tensions.

When asked whether President Biden would request Congress to pass new legislation to authorize additional funding for Ukraine, Sullivan did not provide specifics. “I’m not here to propose a specific legislative measure. President Biden will make the case that ongoing resources are necessary for Ukraine beyond the end of his term,” Sullivan said.

Funding Debate

Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the U.S. has provided tens of billions of dollars in military and economic aid. Trump has repeatedly criticized this funding, aligning with other Republicans who oppose continued support. Trump has argued that, had he been in office, Putin would not have invaded Ukraine and suggested that Ukraine may need to cede territory to reach a peace agreement—something that both Ukraine and Biden reject.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said Thursday that he was unaware of any details regarding Trump’s plan to end the war quickly, and expressed concern that such an approach could force Ukraine to make significant concessions.

According to the Government Accountability Office, Congress has approved over $174 billion in aid to Ukraine under Biden’s administration. However, with Republicans expected to take control of the U.S. Senate with a 52-seat majority, the pace of funding may decrease under Trump.

The balance of power in the U.S. House of Representatives remains uncertain, with some votes still being counted. Republicans have secured 213 seats, just short of the 218 needed for a majority. If Republicans take control of both chambers, it would make it significantly easier for Trump to pass his legislative agenda.

Republican Criticism

Republican Senator Bill Hagerty, a Trump ally and a potential contender for Secretary of State, criticized U.S. funding for Ukraine in a CBS interview. “The American people want sovereignty protected here at home before we spend our resources protecting the sovereignty of another nation,” Hagerty said.

The War’s Ongoing Impact

The war in Ukraine, now in its second and a half year, appears to be entering a critical phase, with Russian forces making their fastest advances since the early days of the conflict. Efforts to end the war are likely to involve peace talks, which have not occurred since the early months of the conflict.

Russia currently occupies about a fifth of Ukrainian territory and insists that the war will not end until its annexations are formally recognized. Ukraine, supported by its Western allies, continues to demand the return of all occupied territory.

As the war drags on, the debate over U.S. involvement and funding for Ukraine remains a key issue for both Biden and Trump as they navigate the path forward.

Several sources with direct knowledge of these discussions provided this information.