Now, as leaders across Europe and Russia wait anxiously to see what direction the Trump administration might take, there are mounting concerns that Trump could push for a hasty ceasefire requiring Ukraine to cede significant portions of its territory - even as Kyiv's European partners vow to back its armed forces for 'as long as it takes'.
Concerns are mounting that the President-elect may cut military-aid to Kyiv when he enters the White house in January.
As Donald Trump's election victory brings the prospect of talks to end Russia's war in Ukraine closer, Kyiv is battling to put itself in the strongest position for any negotiations, including by securing more arms and holding out on the battlefield.
Mr Trump’s victory has prompted questions about what will happen to US support for Ukraine.