Trump, Biden discuss Ukraine and Middle East in 'cordial' White House meeting

FILE PHOTO: Republican presidential nominee and former U.S. President Donald Trump takes the stage following early results from the 2024 U.S. presidential election in Palm Beach County Convention Center, in West Palm Beach, Florida, U.S., November 6, 2024. REUTERS/Callaghan O'Hare/File Photo

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -U.S. President-elect Donald Trump and President Joe Biden, longtime political rivals, discussed Ukraine and the Middle East on Wednesday in a cordial meeting designed to demonstrate a smooth transfer of power despite deep disagreements over policy.

The two American leaders sat side by side before a roaring fire in the White House Oval Office, a peaceful scene that belied tensions between them.