Trump urges Putin to negotiate as Assad's regime collapses in Syria

Donald Trump, the president-elect, stated that Russia is in a "weakened state" due to the Ukraine conflict. He called for a ceasefire and negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, highlighting the collapse of Bashar al-Assad's regime in Syria. Rebels have taken control of Damascus after a rapid offensive, marking a significant shift in the Syrian civil war. Trump noted that Russia has lost interest in Syria as it focuses on the war in Ukraine, where many Russian soldiers have been killed or wounded. The U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense indicated that if Assad's regime falls, it would not be a cause for concern. The U.S. will maintain its presence in eastern Syria to combat ISIS, which has been a major factor in the ongoing conflict.