Trump’s call to Putin came shortly after his surprise electoral victory over Kamala Harris, and amid growing expectations that his presidency could shift U.S. policy on Ukraine. Trump has consistently advocated for ending the war swiftly, questioning the extensive U.S. financial support for Kyiv, which has raised concerns among Ukrainian officials and European allies.

During the same week, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky spoke with Trump, calling the conversation “excellent.” Both leaders agreed to maintain close dialogue, with notable participation from billionaire Elon Musk. Despite these developments, the Biden administration has committed to sending as much aid as possible to Ukraine before Trump’s inauguration on January 20, aiming to bolster Ukraine’s position on the battlefield and at future negotiations.

The conflict itself continues to intensify. Over the weekend, both sides launched major drone strikes, marking one of the largest such exchanges of the war. Russian forces targeted Ukrainian cities with 145 drones, while Ukrainian forces reportedly downed 34 Russian drones aimed at Moscow. Despite these escalating attacks, the prospect of peace remains complicated, as Ukraine has steadfastly refused to cede any territory to Russia, while Trump’s advisers suggest territorial compromises may be necessary for a resolution.

Trump’s call to Putin came shortly after his surprise electoral victory over Kamala Harris, and amid growing expectations that his presidency could shift U.S. policy on Ukraine. Trump has consistently advocated for ending the war swiftly, questioning the extensive U.S. financial support for Kyiv, which has raised concerns among Ukrainian officials and European allies.

During the same week, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky spoke with Trump, calling the conversation “excellent.” Both leaders agreed to maintain close dialogue, with notable participation from billionaire Elon Musk. Despite these developments, the Biden administration has committed to sending as much aid as possible to Ukraine before Trump’s inauguration on January 20, aiming to bolster Ukraine’s position on the battlefield and at future negotiations.

The conflict itself continues to intensify. Over the weekend, both sides launched major drone strikes, marking one of the largest such exchanges of the war. Russian forces targeted Ukrainian cities with 145 drones, while Ukrainian forces reportedly downed 34 Russian drones aimed at Moscow. Despite these escalating attacks, the prospect of peace remains complicated, as Ukraine has steadfastly refused to cede any territory to Russia, while Trump’s advisers suggest territorial compromises may be necessary for a resolution.