U.S. President-elect Donald Trump reportedly urged Russian President Vladimir Putin to avoid further escalation in the ongoing war in Ukraine, according to a source familiar with the conversation. This development comes amid mounting anticipation over how the United States will position itself in its support for Ukraine under Trump’s forthcoming administration. The diplomatic exchange also occurs as President Joe Biden prepares to advise Trump against shifting the current U.S. stance on Kyiv, with both leaders addressing their views on the long-standing conflict.
Trump’s call with Putin marks the first direct engagement between the U.S. President-elect and the Russian leader since the November 5 election, wherein Trump triumphed over incumbent Vice President Kamala Harris. In addition, Trump reportedly spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Wednesday, although details of their conversation remain sparse. Known for his criticism of substantial U.S. aid for Ukraine, Trump has publicly promised to resolve the conflict swiftly, though he has not provided a comprehensive plan for achieving such a goal.
Ukraine’s foreign ministry expressed surprise at Trump’s outreach to Putin, clarifying that it had not been informed of the conversation beforehand. This lack of prior notification, a departure from diplomatic norms, has led Kyiv to neither support nor criticize the call explicitly.
Steven Cheung, Trump’s communications director, refrained from confirming the call’s content, simply noting, “We do not comment on private calls between President Trump and other world leaders.” The Russian embassy in Washington, meanwhile, did not provide any immediate response to requests for comment.
The diplomatic call has raised questions on Capitol Hill as well, where many policymakers view direct communication between the President-elect and Putin as a delicate matter that could affect U.S. foreign policy interests and broader Western alliances. Trump’s critics argue that the outreach risks undermining ongoing efforts to present a unified front against Russian aggression in Europe.
President Biden, aiming to ensure a smooth transfer of power, has invited Trump to the White House on Wednesday for a formal discussion. Biden is expected to stress the importance of maintaining the current U.S. commitment to Ukraine, expressing concern that a sudden withdrawal of support would embolden Moscow and destabilize Europe.
On Sunday, U.S. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan emphasized that Biden’s message to Trump will prioritize the need for ongoing U.S. involvement in European security. Speaking on CBS’s Face the Nation, Sullivan remarked, “Walking away from Ukraine means more instability in Europe.” Sullivan’s comments underscore the administration’s view that supporting Ukraine is fundamental to both regional stability and U.S. national interests.
Despite this, the Republican-controlled Congress may present challenges. With Republicans likely to gain a majority in the Senate and a potential edge in the House, any legislation to authorize additional aid for Ukraine may face resistance, particularly from GOP factions that have echoed Trump’s calls for curtailing U.S. financial involvement.
Amidst this diplomatic shift, Ukraine executed its largest drone attack on Moscow since the war’s inception, launching 34 drones into the Russian capital on Sunday. The drone strike, viewed as a direct escalation by Kyiv, signals Ukraine’s determination to sustain pressure on Moscow even as diplomatic discussions continue. Analysts suggest that the attack may be intended to highlight Ukraine’s strategic capability as it seeks to assert its position in any future peace talks.
The timing of this attack complicates Trump’s intentions to negotiate an end to the conflict, given Ukraine’s demonstrated resilience and commitment to reclaiming occupied territories. Ukrainian officials reaffirmed this stance, rejecting any proposed territorial concessions, a position echoed by President Zelenskyy, who reiterated on Thursday his doubts about any rapid diplomatic solution that could require Kyiv to cede land.
Trump’s approach to Ukraine diverges starkly from Biden’s, raising questions about the future of U.S. involvement in the region. Throughout his campaign, Trump has argued that Putin would not have initiated the invasion had he been president, a sentiment he reiterated in recent interviews. While specific details remain elusive, Trump’s past statements suggest he may favor a pragmatic approach that would prioritize U.S. national interests over sustained military involvement in foreign conflicts.
Adding to the complexity, potential members of Trump’s future cabinet, including Republican Senator Bill Hagerty—a prominent candidate for Secretary of State—have voiced skepticism over continued funding for Ukraine. In a CBS interview, Hagerty argued, “The American people want sovereignty protected here in America before we spend our funds and resources protecting the sovereignty of another nation.”
For Trump, the challenge will lie in balancing his intention to reduce foreign expenditure with the diplomatic repercussions of altering U.S. support for Ukraine. Trump’s stance has garnered both support and criticism from Republican lawmakers, reflecting a broader debate within the party on the best path forward for U.S. foreign policy.
The evolving dynamics surrounding the Ukraine conflict suggest that the upcoming months could see renewed attempts at peace negotiations, marking a potential endgame in the two-and-a-half-year-old war. Russian forces currently occupy approximately one-fifth of Ukrainian territory, and Moscow’s leaders have remained firm in their demand that these claimed annexations be recognized as a precondition for peace.
Meanwhile, Kyiv has remained adamant that it will accept nothing short of a full withdrawal of Russian troops from its territory. This insistence has been supported by Western allies, including the European Union and NATO, both of which have stood by Ukraine’s sovereignty claims. However, with Trump’s impending presidency, the level of support from the United States remains uncertain.
Political analysts anticipate that any substantive peace talks will likely need U.S. endorsement, given its position as a major financial backer of Ukraine’s defense. Trump’s potential withdrawal of this support could encourage other Western allies to adopt a more cautious approach, potentially reducing Ukraine’s leverage in negotiations.
Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the U.S. has directed an estimated $174 billion in military and economic aid toward Kyiv, a commitment that Trump has criticized as excessive. His administration’s impending takeover raises questions about the longevity of such financial support. The likely Republican majority in the Senate, expected to be secured with a 52-seat count, signals an impending reevaluation of foreign aid priorities under GOP leadership.
The balance of power in the House remains in flux, with Republicans needing just five more seats to secure a majority. If Republicans gain control of both chambers, Trump’s agenda, including his stance on Ukraine, could face fewer obstacles in Congress. However, bipartisan resistance remains likely, especially among Democrats and moderate Republicans who view sustained support for Ukraine as vital to U.S. and European security interests.
The geopolitical reverberations of Trump’s phone calls with Putin and Zelenskyy underscore the fragile balance of power in Eastern Europe. A shift in U.S. policy could embolden Russia to push for further territorial gains, as indicated by Moscow’s continued insistence on the recognition of its annexed territories. The decision could also send signals to other nations observing the conflict, including China, which has refrained from intervening directly but has maintained a wary eye on U.S. commitments in Europe and the Indo-Pacific region.
Beyond Europe, Trump’s foreign policy moves may influence U.S. relations in Asia and the Middle East. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan has indicated that Biden intends to brief Trump on key issues beyond Ukraine, reflecting concerns about broader U.S. diplomatic strategy. “The commitment to our allies, including in Asia and the Middle East, is a topic that will also be on the agenda,” Sullivan added.
For Biden, the hope remains that Trump will heed his warnings, understanding the strategic value of a strong U.S.-Ukraine alliance. But with an incoming Republican administration and a Congress leaning toward foreign policy restraint, a significant shift in the U.S. approach to Ukraine may be inevitable.
