**Ukrainian Forces Hopeful but Wary Following Trump Victory**

In the midst of relentless artillery battles in eastern Ukraine, local soldiers are cautiously optimistic about Donald Trump's recent U.S. election win, balancing hope with pragmatism. The primary focus remains on the crucial continuation of American military support, despite uncertainties surrounding Trump’s foreign policy intentions.

Frontline commander Mozart highlighted the urgency of ongoing aid to fend off Russian advances. For the soldiers, the main concern is clear: "It does not matter who is president, as long as they don’t cut us off from help." Under Trump’s prior administration, the U.S. provided Ukraine with essential Javelin anti-tank missiles, significantly bolstering Kyiv's defenses. Nevertheless, Trump’s favorable comments about Vladimir Putin and skepticism of prolonged U.S. involvement abroad have sparked concerns about future support.

In recent comments, Trump criticized American aid to Ukraine, labeling President Volodymyr Zelensky a "salesman" for advocating for such assistance. Nonetheless, Zelensky, one of the first world leaders to congratulate Trump, remains optimistic about the principle of "peace through strength" that Trump often endorses. However, Trump's ambiguous stance during recent debates, avoiding direct answers on Ukraine’s ultimate victory, has cast doubts on whether Kyiv might face pressured negotiations.

In Kyiv, the near-daily Russian drone attacks weigh heavily on residents’ minds. Eighteen-year-old law student Viktoriia Zubrytska expressed fears that peace under Trump might demand territorial concessions but underscored the value of clarity over what she sees as the current administration's "false hope." She stressed that living with "certainty and objective truth" is preferable to "life in illusions."

Polling data underscores a stark partisan split in the U.S. over support for Ukraine. About 74 percent of Harris voters favor continued aid, contrasting sharply with just 36 percent of Trump supporters. This divide elevates the stakes for Ukraine, as its people closely watch how the shift in U.S. leadership could impact vital military and economic assistance.

In response to Trump's victory, NATO allies, particularly France and Germany, held a high-level defense meeting in Paris to discuss security implications. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte reiterated the "peace through strength" approach and praised Trump’s push for increased defense spending among member countries, a crucial effort given the volatility along Europe’s eastern borders.

Over in Moscow, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov offered a cautious response, downplaying the likelihood of a formal congratulatory message from Vladimir Putin. Instead, he noted the potential for the U.S. to help end the conflict, even if quick solutions remain elusive, reiterating that the U.S. continues to be viewed as "unfriendly" by Russia.