Vladimir Putin reportedly congratulated Donald Trump on winning the US presidential election through 'acquaintances', with hopes of improving Russia's position in the war with Ukraine.

Independent Russian news outlet Verstka reported that the Russian authorities' unofficial friendliness towards Trump is linked to the hope of reduced military aid to Ukraine.

Putin's spokesman stated there were no official plans to congratulate Trump, highlighting the US as an 'unfriendly country' involved in the war against Russia.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed a preference for Kamala Harris but acknowledged Trump's 'peace through strength' approach, hoping for continued bipartisan support for Ukraine.

Russian state-controlled media and pro-war groups expressed optimism about Trump's win, believing it could lead to reduced US support for Ukraine.