Sun Nov 10 20:15:29 UTC 2024: ## Outgoing President Biden to Lobby Trump on Continued Support for Ukraine

**Washington D.C.** – Outgoing US President Joe Biden plans to make a personal appeal to President-elect Donald Trump on Wednesday, urging him to continue supporting Ukraine in its fight against Russia. The meeting will be a crucial transition moment as Biden seeks to ensure a continued flow of US aid to Ukraine, despite Trump’s previous criticisms and suggestions of withdrawing support.

Biden’s National Security Advisor, Jake Sullivan, stated that the president will “make the case” to Trump that withdrawing US support would only increase instability in Europe. He stressed the need for ongoing resources for Ukraine even after Biden’s term ends.

This comes amidst a stark contrast in foreign policy between Biden and Trump. The current administration has committed over $174 billion in aid to Ukraine, rallying NATO allies to do the same. However, Trump has repeatedly criticized aid to Ukraine and suggested a quick end to the conflict, potentially involving territorial concessions by Ukraine – a proposal both Ukraine and Biden have rejected.

Despite Trump’s past pronouncements, the president-elect recently spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin, urging him to de-escalate the war. His incoming Vice President, JD Vance, has offered a potential peace framework involving a demilitarized zone along the current Russian-Ukrainian border, with Ukraine maintaining its independence but not joining NATO.

Both Ukraine and European NATO members, concerned about waning US support under Trump, have reached out to the president-elect. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed appreciation for Trump’s “peace through strength” approach and requested continued strong bipartisan support. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz also spoke with Trump, emphasizing continued cooperation and seeking a peaceful resolution.

The Biden administration aims to bolster Ukraine’s position in the conflict before the transition, planning to allocate its remaining $6 billion in Ukraine funding before Trump’s inauguration. The Wednesday meeting will provide an opportunity for Biden to discuss his foreign policy approach and how he believes Trump should handle these issues.

The war in Ukraine is entering a potentially decisive phase, with recent Russian advances sparking renewed calls for peace talks. Any peace settlement will likely involve negotiations, which have been stalled since the war’s early stages.

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