President Trump expressed his commitment to pursuing peace between Russia and Ukraine, despite ongoing conflicts and uncertainties, emphasizing his approach of bringing leaders together for negotiations and claiming credit for previous peace efforts, while noting that the current situation remains complex and unresolved.
European leaders are showing strong support for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy ahead of a scheduled meeting with Donald Trump, highlighting international backing amidst ongoing political developments.
According to sources briefed on the call, Donald Trump asked Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy if Ukraine could strike Moscow, raising concerns about potential escalation in the conflict.
Russia has launched a massive aerial assault on Ukraine's energy infrastructure, with President Zelenskyy calling it one of the largest strikes since the war began. The attack involved 93 missiles and 200 drones, targeting power facilities across Ukraine, leading to severe power shortages as winter approaches. Zelenskyy criticized Russia's actions as a form of terror and called for international support to weaken Russia's economy. The attack follows a Ukrainian strike on a Russian airfield, escalating tensions further.
Russia launched a massive aerial attack on Ukraine, targeting its energy infrastructure with 93 missiles and nearly 200 drones, marking one of the heaviest bombardments since the invasion began. Ukrainian defenses intercepted 81 missiles, aided by Western-supplied F-16s. President Zelenskyy called for international unity against Russia, while concerns grow over future U.S. support under President-elect Trump. The attacks aim to cripple Ukraine's energy and defense sectors, with significant damage reported. Russia has been stockpiling missiles for further assaults, exacerbating Ukraine's energy crisis.
The Biden administration has announced a nearly $1 billion aid package for Ukraine, bringing the total U.S. commitment to over $62 billion since Russia's invasion in 2022. This package, part of the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, will fund contracts for new military systems rather than drawing from existing U.S. stockpiles. As the Trump administration prepares to take office, there is uncertainty about the future of U.S. aid to Ukraine, with foreign leaders urging Trump to continue support. Meanwhile, Trump's defense secretary nominee, Pete Hegseth, faces scrutiny over personal conduct allegations.
Russia launched a massive drone and missile attack on Ukraine's energy infrastructure, leaving nearly 1 million people without power. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized the need for air defense systems to protect against such strikes, especially during winter. Ukraine's air force reported intercepting many of the missiles and drones, but noted challenges due to Russia's evolving tactics and weather conditions. The attacks have led to widespread power outages across multiple regions, with significant impacts on civilian life.
Ukrainian boxing legend Wladimir Klitschko criticized Joe Rogan for spreading "Russian propaganda" after Rogan's podcast comments suggested Ukrainian and American leaders were risking World War III. Rogan's remarks included accusations against Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, which Klitschko countered by inviting Rogan to discuss the issues on his podcast. Klitschko emphasized that Rogan's statements echoed Russian disinformation, undermining democratic efforts against Russia's prolonged aggression in Ukraine.
Despite Donald Trump's complex history with Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy remains hopeful about working with Trump's administration. Ukraine plans to appeal to Trump's transactional nature by emphasizing its natural resources and potential benefits to American business, rather than focusing on defending democracy. While Trump's election is seen as a setback for Ukraine, officials believe they can still secure support by highlighting economic and strategic advantages, despite Trump's past comments and the Republican Party's growing opposition to aiding Ukraine.
Elon Musk briefly joined a phone call between President-elect Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, though he did not participate in substantive discussions. Musk, who supported Trump in the 2024 election, has previously been involved in Ukraine-related matters, including providing Starlink internet support. The call, described as "excellent" by Zelenskyy, focused on maintaining U.S.-Ukraine cooperation. Musk's past suggestions for Ukraine to cede territory to Russia have been controversial.
Elon Musk made a surprise appearance on a call between Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, where Musk and Zelenskyy briefly discussed the Starlink satellites Musk has been providing to Ukraine. Musk's involvement highlights his influential civilian role, though his stance on the Russia-Ukraine conflict has been mixed. Trump reassured Zelenskyy of continued support for Ukraine, while Musk's actions and communications, including reported contacts with Vladimir Putin, have raised questions about his position on the conflict.
Elon Musk unexpectedly joined a call between President-elect Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, raising questions about his influence in the upcoming Trump administration. Musk's involvement is notable due to his significant financial support for Trump and his companies' extensive federal contracts. Concerns have been raised about Musk's ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin and the potential national security implications, given Musk's role in U.S. defense and intelligence sectors. The call highlighted Musk's Starlink service's importance to Ukraine's communications amid the ongoing conflict with Russia.
Elon Musk joined a call between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, highlighting Musk's potential influence in foreign policy under a new Trump administration. The conversation, which included thanks to Musk for his Starlink satellite internet system, comes amid ongoing Russian aggression in Ukraine. Despite Musk's controversial contacts with Russian President Putin and his public opposition to aid for Ukraine, Starlink has been crucial for Ukrainian communications. Trump expressed support for Ukraine, though details remain unspecified.
Ukrainian officials are cautiously optimistic yet anxious about Donald Trump's election victory, hoping he can broker peace with Russia while fearing a reduction in US support. President Zelenskyy congratulated Trump, expressing hope for a strong US leadership to end the war. Despite Trump's past impeachment over pressuring Ukraine, Kyiv's leaders believe he could reinvigorate Western efforts against Russian aggression. Meanwhile, Russian officials express hope for improved US-Russia relations under Trump, though skepticism remains about his ability to swiftly end the conflict.
Tensions between Russia and Greece are escalating as Greece prepares a military aid deal with Ukraine, including sending weapons and equipment. This move has angered Russia, which has warned Greece against supporting Ukraine. Despite public opinion in Greece being divided on the issue, the Greek government continues to back Ukraine, citing historical and regional security concerns.