{
  "id": 20179758,
  "title": "Biden Blocked Pre-Inauguration Trump Team Talks With Putin, Memoir Says",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/15/biden-blocked-pre-inauguration-trump-team-talks-with-putin-memoir-says",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-15T13:46:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Kyiv Post",
    "slug": "kyiv-post",
    "url": "https://www.kyivpost.com/post/90176"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In his upcoming memoir \"Promise Me, America,\" former US President Joe Biden reveals that Donald Trump's transition team had approached him to sign a letter granting permission for direct negotiations with Russian President Vladimir Putin before Trump's inauguration. However, Biden declined to grant diplomatic clearance to Trump's incoming aides, citing his desire to prevent any actions that could potentially undermine Ukraine. Throughout the memoir, Biden provides personal insights into his interactions with various foreign leaders, including President Volodymyr Zelensky and Vladimir Putin. While praising Zelensky's background as an actor for his preparedness to lead during wartime, Biden described Putin as having an \"irritating tone\" and often assuming an indifferent demeanor during meetings. The memoir also touches on Biden's relationship with Queen Elizabeth II, highlighting the trust and humor that characterized their interactions. Regarding the Middle East, Biden criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for prioritizing short-term political gains over long-term strategic interests. Despite their political rivalry, Biden recounts that after Trump's inauguration, he discovered a personal letter from Trump, suggesting a potential friendship beyond politics.",
  "summary": "Former US President Joe Biden reveals in his upcoming memoir “Promise Me, America” that he refused a request from Donald Trump’s transition team to authorize direct negotiations with Russian President Vladimir Putin prior to Trump’s inauguration. Biden was unwilling to allow a “de facto capitulation at Ukraine’s expense,” The Wall Street Journal reported. In excerpts ahead of the Nov. 17 release,…",
  "key_points": [
    "Biden's memoir reveals Trump's team sought permission for Putin talks pre-inauguration.",
    "Biden denied clearance, prioritizing Ukraine over potential diplomatic actions.",
    "Memoir highlights Biden's contrasting views on Putin and Zelensky's leadership."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}