Russia has expressed openness to hearing President-elect Donald Trump's proposals on ending the war in Ukraine. A Russian drone attack in the port city of Odesa resulted in one fatality and 13 injuries, while 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 engaging in communication regarding Ukraine through private channels. He emphasized that Russia is willing to consider Trump's ideas for advancing the peace process in Ukraine, as long as they focus on settlement rather than bolstering the Kyiv regime with additional aid.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha affirmed Ukraine's readiness to collaborate with the incoming Trump administration. He highlighted President Zelenskyy's early congratulatory message to President Trump and expressed optimism about future cooperation between the two nations.
During a joint appearance with the EU foreign policy chief, Sybiha reiterated Ukraine's commitment to working towards a just and lasting peace. The EU representative emphasized the bloc's unwavering support for Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression and called for expedited delivery of Western weapons to bolster Ukraine's defense capabilities.
In Odesa, a Russian drone strike caused damage to several buildings and structures, with similar incidents reported in other Ukrainian regions. Ukrainian air defenses successfully intercepted a significant number of Russian drones, underscoring the ongoing military tensions in the region.
The escalation of Russian aerial attacks has raised concerns in Ukraine about the need for increased Western assistance to counter the aggression. However, uncertainties persist regarding the stance of the incoming U.S. administration, given Trump's previous criticisms of U.S. aid to Ukraine and his favorable comments about Russian President Putin.
Both Russia and Ukraine have reported drone-related incidents and military engagements in various regions, highlighting the volatile situation in the conflict zone.
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