President-elect Donald Trump has pledged to broker a peace deal in Ukraine, but as he prepares to take office, peace seems as elusive as ever

REUTERS/Mykola Synelnykov DNIPRO, Ukraine (Reuters) - "Why is everyone putting their hopes in Trump?" Liudmyla Parybus isn't holding her breath for the incoming U.S. president to end the war in Ukraine.

"I will be 100% on board with taking sanctions up," Treasury Secretary-pick Scott Bessent told lawmakers on Thursday.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer pledged on Thursday to work with Ukraine and allies to offer Kyiv robust security guarantees if a ceasefire is negotiated with Russia, offering more support to President Volodymyr Zelenskiy with a 100-year partnership deal.

U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer signed a 100-year partnership agreement with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Thursday, part of a European show of support and promises to keep helping Ukraine endure in its nearly three-year war with Russia.

Russia unleashed a massive missile attack on Ukraine's electrical grid in the early hours of January 15, firing 43 missiles and more than 70 drones. Ukrainian air defenses intercepted 30 missiles and 47 drones,

Over the past day, 174 combat clashes were recorded on the frontline. Russians continue to apply pressure near Pokrovsk, Chasiv Yar, Toretsk, and other areas, according to the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.