Russia has signaled its openness to considering President-elect Donald Trump’s proposals to end the war in Ukraine, with Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov confirming that Moscow and Washington are exchanging messages about a potential peace settlement. However, Ryabkov emphasized that Russia would only consider proposals that offer solutions for peace, rather than those that continue to send aid to Ukraine.
Ryabkov’s comments come amidst escalating violence in Ukraine, where a Russian drone attack killed at least one person and injured 13 others in the port city of Odesa. The attack caused significant damage to residential buildings and warehouses. Despite Ukraine’s defense efforts, including shooting down 32 additional Russian drones, the aerial campaign by Russia continues to intensify.
While Russia shows some interest in Trump’s approach, doubts persist about the level of support Ukraine can expect from the new U.S. administration. Trump has been critical of continued U.S. aid to Ukraine, and has voiced admiration for Russian President Vladimir Putin in the past. This has led to concerns in Ukraine about whether the incoming administration will continue to support Ukraine in its defense against Russian aggression.
In Kyiv, Ukrainian officials, including Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, expressed their readiness to cooperate with Trump’s administration, stressing the importance of achieving a peaceful resolution to the war. Sybiha highlighted that President Zelenskyy had been one of the first leaders to reach out to Trump after his election, reinforcing Ukraine’s desire for continued U.S. support.
The European Union, meanwhile, has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Ukraine. EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell visited Kyiv to underscore the EU’s solidarity, emphasizing the need for faster deliveries of Western weapons to Ukraine and fewer restrictions on their use. The EU continues to push for stronger measures to counter Russian aggression.
Despite these diplomatic efforts, the war’s toll on Ukraine grows. In addition to the ongoing aerial bombardment, Russian forces have increased their attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure, including a bomb strike on a busy highway in Kharkiv province. Ukrainian officials warn that the country needs more Western aid to defend against the growing threat posed by Russia’s intensified attacks.
As the war progresses, Ukraine’s struggle for survival continues, with the country relying heavily on international assistance to counter the mounting Russian offensive. However, uncertainty remains over what the incoming U.S. administration will bring to the table, especially in light of Trump’s past rhetoric and policies regarding Russia.
