Russia is open to hearing President-elect Donald Trump’s proposals on ending the war in Ukraine, according to a Russian official. The comments came as a Russian drone killed one person and wounded 13 in the Ukrainian port city of Odesa. The European Union foreign policy chief held talks in Kyiv following the change in U.S. leadership. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov stated that Moscow and Washington were “exchanging signals” on Ukraine via “closed channels,” but did not specify whether the communication was with the current administration or with members of Trump’s incoming administration. Ryabkov mentioned that Russia is ready to listen to Trump’s proposals on Ukraine as long as they focus on moving forward in a settlement and not on further aiding the Kyiv regime.
In Kyiv, Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha expressed Ukraine’s readiness to work with the Trump administration. He emphasized President Zelenskyy’s positive exchange with President Trump and the discussion of establishing communication between teams. The EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell joined Sybiha and reiterated the European Union’s support for Ukraine. Borrell called for faster deliveries and fewer restrictions on Western weapons being provided to Ukraine to help defend against Russian aggression. He had previously urged allies to lift restrictions on Ukraine’s use of Western-supplied long-range weapons.
In Odesa, a Russian drone caused damage to residential buildings, private houses, and warehouses in the city. Dozens of Russian drones were shot down in various Ukrainian regions, with some being electronically jammed. A Russian aerial bomb also struck a busy highway in the Kharkiv province, although no casualties were reported. Ukrainian officials expressed the need for more Western assistance to counter the intensified aerial campaign from Russia. However, there are growing doubts about what Ukraine can expect from the new U.S. administration due to Trump’s past statements regarding aid to Ukraine and praise for Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The Russian Defence Ministry claimed that 50 Ukrainian drones were destroyed over seven Russian regions, with a significant number being shot down in the Bryansk region bordering Ukraine. The situation in Ukraine remains tense, with ongoing conflict and a need for continued support from Western allies. The possibility of dialogue between the United States and Russia regarding the conflict in Ukraine creates both uncertainty and hope for the future of the region. As the situation continues to evolve, it is crucial for all parties involved to work towards achieving a just peace in Ukraine.
