In a recent conversation between U.S. President-elect Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, Trump advised Putin against escalating the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, according to a source familiar with the matter. The call, which took place in the past few days, came amid rising tensions in the region and as Ukraine launched one of its largest drone strikes on Moscow.
Trump, who spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Wednesday, has been vocal about his opposition to the scale of U.S. military and financial support for Ukraine. He has pledged to bring an end to the war quickly but has not detailed his strategy, including any potential concessions Kyiv might have to make. Ukraine’s foreign ministry was not informed of the call between Trump and Putin in advance and refrained from commenting on it.
Trump's communications director, Steven Cheung, declined to discuss the private conversation, and the Russian embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to inquiries. The timing of the call comes as President Joe Biden, who will remain in office until January 20, plans to meet with Trump on Wednesday to discuss key international issues, including the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Biden's National Security Adviser, Jake Sullivan, emphasized that the president will make the case to Congress and the incoming administration that the U.S. must continue supporting Ukraine to avoid further instability in Europe. Biden has long opposed any peace agreements that would require Ukraine to cede territory to Russia—a position that Trump has been more open to considering.
U.S. funding to Ukraine has exceeded $174 billion under Biden’s leadership, but with Republicans expected to take control of the U.S. Senate and potentially the House of Representatives, Trump’s administration may shift the country’s stance on further aid. Republicans, including Trump ally Senator Bill Hagerty, have criticized U.S. spending on Ukraine, urging a focus on domestic priorities.
Kyiv continues to demand the return of all occupied territories, while Moscow insists that any resolution must include recognition of its annexations. The prospects for peace talks, which have been stalled for months, are unclear.