Soldiers and civilians alike say that after so much loss, the new U.S. president must push for a just settlement, not peace at any cost.

Ukrainian soldiers are describing fierce clashes as Russian forces try to retake territory in the Kursk region that could be key in eventual cease-fire talks.

Ukrainian forces’ assault was in the Russian region where they made a surprise incursion last summer.

Moscow again struck Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, part of an effort to wear down the country. “In the trenches, there are no holidays,” one man said.