Serge’s reconnaissance unit went on to fight in the Donbas, mostly in Bakhmut, where thousands died in the “meat grinder” attacks launched by waves of Russian conscripts, prisoners and the Wagner mercenary group. Key members of Serge’s team died in the rubble there.

Donald Trump’s inauguration as U.S. president has raised hopes that an end to Russia’s three-year war on Ukraine — or at least a ceasefire — may be on the horizon, even as many experts doubt his ability to deliver on his promises to end the war.

President Vladimir Putin said Russia’s ready for talks with the US on the war in Ukraine as he offered congratulations to Donald Trump on his inauguration as president.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said his country was open to dialogue with the new Trump administration on the conflict in Ukraine, as he welcomed what he said was the president-elect's attitude toward preventing a third world war.