WASHINGTON DC: US President-elect Donald Trump recently had a conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, during which he advised against escalating the conflict in Ukraine, according to a source familiar with the discussion.
Meanwhile, President Joe Biden is preparing to encourage Trump to continue supporting Kyiv.
The source indicated that Trump and Putin spoke within the last few days, and Trump also had a conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Wednesday.
Trump has criticized the extent of U.S. military and financial aid to Ukraine, asserting his intention to resolve the war quickly, though he hasn’t specified how he would do so.
Ukraine’s foreign ministry stated that it was not informed beforehand about the Trump-Putin call and therefore could not support or oppose it.
Steven Cheung, Trump’s communications director, declined to comment on the private conversation between Trump and other global leaders when asked about it, as reported initially by The Washington Post.
The Russian embassy in Washington did not respond promptly to a request for comments.
Trump, a Republican, is set to take office on January 20 after defeating Vice President Kamala Harris in the November 5 election. Biden has invited Trump to the Oval Office on Wednesday, according to the White House.
U.S. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan stated on Sunday that Biden’s primary message will focus on ensuring a peaceful transition of power, and he will also discuss various global issues affecting Europe, Asia, and the Middle East with Trump.
(Inputs from Reuters)
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