In recent days, U.S. President-elect Donald Trump reportedly engaged in a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, advising him against escalating the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The Washington Post initially reported the conversation, citing sources familiar with the matter. Trump’s engagement with Putin comes as President Joe Biden prepares to emphasize the importance of continued U.S. support for Ukraine in discussions with Trump during a planned Oval Office meeting.

During the call, Trump reminded Putin of the U.S.’s considerable military presence in Europe and expressed interest in future discussions about reaching a swift resolution to the conflict. A source close to the matter suggested that Trump may be motivated to keep tensions low, potentially avoiding an intensified Ukraine conflict as he steps into office. Trump previously vowed to end the war “within a day” during his campaign but has yet to detail his approach.

Ukrainian officials were reportedly unaware of the call between Trump and Putin. Ukraine’s foreign ministry clarified that it had not been informed in advance and thus neither endorsed nor opposed the conversation. Foreign ministry spokesperson Heorhii Tykhyi described reports suggesting Kyiv’s awareness of the call as “false.”

The call has drawn attention to Trump’s stance on U.S. involvement in Ukraine. While Washington has provided extensive military and economic aid to Kyiv since Russia’s invasion in February 2022, Trump has openly criticized the scale of U.S. assistance, aligning with other Republican leaders who advocate for a reassessment of American support.

Trump also reportedly spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy earlier in the week, a move that underscores the complex diplomatic balancing act he faces. Trump’s communications director, Steven Cheung, declined to comment on these private exchanges, emphasizing Trump’s commitment to “global peace and stability” as he assumes office.

The Biden administration, meanwhile, is working to ensure a stable transfer of power. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan stated that Biden’s main message to Trump will be to reinforce the importance of America’s continued role in global stability, warning that withdrawing support from Ukraine could lead to greater instability across Europe.

As the transition continues, Trump’s outreach to key world leaders like Putin and Zelenskyy signals a potentially pivotal shift in U.S. foreign policy, one that will likely shape Washington’s approach to the Ukraine crisis in the coming months.