President-elect Donald Trump promises to bring peace to Ukraine shortly after he takes office on Jan. 20. Many speculate that he will pressure President Volodymyr Zelensky, Ukraine’s leader, to accept ceasefire terms heavily favorable to Russia.

Donald Trump said talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin were in the works and while the president-elect provided no timeline, he stressed that his preference would be for after his Jan. 20 inauguration.

Vladimir Putin is reportedly facing growing anger from Russia's elite, who want the war in Ukraine to end. People at the top of the country's society are also worried about the Russian economy, it is believed, as Western sanctions take their toll.

Citing ten Russian officials, Meduza said the state of the country's economy was a particular "point of tension."

As the war in Ukraine continues into 2025, there is growing disappointment among Russia’s political elite. Many expected the conflict to end by 2024, but it has dragged on, and the Russian economy is suffering under sanctions.