Russia is confident in its imminent victory against Ukraine following president-elect Donald Trump's victory in the US elections. Putin praised Trump for his desire to restore relations with Russia and help resolve the Ukrainian crisis. While Putin expressed optimism about the war and Trump's potential to aid peace efforts, other Russian officials have been more direct. Some in Russia remain cautious about Trump's presidency, but others see it as an opportunity to repair ties with the United States. Ukraine has appealed directly to Trump, aiming to retain his support for Kyiv.