As the war in Ukraine deteriorates, President Vladimir Putin claims Russia is gaining ground, while incoming US President Donald Trump expresses a desire to resolve the conflict swiftly. Despite some Ukrainian successes, the situation remains dire, with ongoing civilian evacuations. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is trying to engage Trump, preparing a ‘Victory Plan’ that includes proposals for post-war dynamics. Meanwhile, discussions of peace negotiations are complicated by security guarantees and Ukrainian fears of a weakened international response to Russian aggression.