Nearly three years after President Vladimir Putin invaded Ukraine, his troops are making steady progress on the battlefield. Kyiv is grappling with shortages of men and weapons. And the new U.S. president could soon halt Ukraine's massive supply of military aid.

President Trump has spoken with Russian President Vladimir Putin in attempts to negotiate an end to the war in Ukraine, he told the New York Post. The big picture: Trump, who throughout his presidential campaign vowed to end the years-long war within 24 hours, told the outlet the Russian leader "wants to see people stop dying."

Former U.S. Ambassador Michael McFaul and investigative journalist Roman Anin dissect Trump and Putin’s shared traits, warn against rushed Ukraine negotiations and underscore the critical role of journalists in countering an era of misinformation.