Kremlin Sees Positive Signals from Trump on Ukraine

The Kremlin has expressed cautious optimism regarding US president-elect Donald Trump's approach to Ukraine, with spokesman Dmitry Peskov noting that Trump has indicated he could broker peace through deals. However, Peskov emphasized the unpredictability of Trump's future actions based on his campaign statements. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov revealed that Moscow and Washington are communicating through closed channels about Ukraine, although he did not clarify whether this involved the current administration or Trump's team. Trump has suggested that Ukraine might need to cede territory to Russia, aligning with proposals from some of his allies that could solidify Russian control over Ukrainian lands. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Zelenskiy maintains that peace is unattainable without the withdrawal of all Russian forces and the return of occupied territories, including Crimea.