Treasury Secretary Bessent and President-elect Trump are signaling a strong push for a resolution to the Russia-Ukraine war. Bessent characterized the current situation as a "peace negotiation" and stated that Trump is putting pressure on Russia to end the conflict. However, tensions remain regarding the interpersonal dynamics of the negotiations. President Donald Trump has publicly accused Ukraine's leadership of showing "zero gratitude" for his efforts to broker a peace deal. In his remarks, he reiterated his stance that the war "should never have happened" and expressed frustration with the current handling of the conflict. This rhetorical escalation introduces new uncertainties into the geopolitical landscape. While the administration remains confident in the peace process, such friction is being watched by global investors as it could influence broader market sentiment and risk appetite. [Update 1] Added specific details regarding President Trump's remarks accusing Ukraine of "zero gratitude," highlighting the potential friction in ongoing peace efforts.