Russia Dialogue Depends on Trump Acknowledging Moscow’s Interests - Lavrov

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has indicated that any resumption of dialogue between Moscow and Washington will only be possible if the United States under President Donald Trump considers Russia's interests. Lavrov stated that, should the U.S. take Moscow’s concerns into account, a gradual restoration of dialogue could occur. However, he warned that without such consideration, the current state of relations would remain unchanged.

Lavrov also expressed skepticism regarding the readiness of Kyiv and its Western allies to engage in genuine peace talks despite their public statements. He suggested that there were no clear indications of a willingness to pursue meaningful negotiations.

Additionally, Lavrov rejected the idea of freezing the conflict, arguing that such a move would allow Western nations to use the pause to rearm Ukraine and prepare it for future offensives.

Lavrov reiterated Moscow's stance, which aligns with the Russian Foreign Ministry’s earlier statements, emphasizing that Russia is prepared to continue military operations if the U.S. persists in using tactics such as threats and sanctions during negotiations.

The foreign minister’s remarks highlight Russia’s firm position on protecting its strategic interests and its resistance to what it perceives as Western pressure.

These statements come as international discussions about potential peace negotiations continue, with U.S. President Donald Trump advocating for talks between Kyiv and Moscow. Lavrov’s comments, however, suggest that Russia remains unwavering in its demands and unwilling to compromise on its objectives without significant concessions.

The ongoing conflict in Ukraine remains a significant point of contention in U.S.-Russia relations, with little indication of de-escalation as both sides maintain entrenched positions.

Russia drone attacked Kyiv Oblast with drones: 2 killed and 1 injured

A drone attack overnight on January 24 claimed the lives of two people and injured one in Kyiv Oblast, according to the regional military administration.

In the city of Brovary, just outside Kyiv, a 36-year-old man was killed when falling drone debris struck a 10-story residential building. The impact ignited a fire, leaving a 26-year-old man with superficial burns to his upper respiratory tract, as reported by the Kyiv Oblast Military Administration.

In another part of the region, a second victim lost their life after drone debris fell onto a home. Authorities did not disclose further details about the victim's identity.

The extent of the damage to residential structures has yet to be fully assessed. Both fires caused by the attacks were extinguished by emergency crews.

Ukraine's Air Force had issued warnings throughout the night about the heightened threat of Russian drone attacks on Kyiv. Air defenses were actively engaged to counter the assault.

Over the past year, Russia has intensified its use of attack drones, frequently targeting various locations across Ukraine, including the capital, Kyiv.

Vladimir Putin says he is ready to meet with Donald Trump

Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed interest in meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump to address "issues of mutual interest" between Moscow and Washington. Speaking on the Russian state-controlled channel Russia 24, Putin said it would be preferable to meet and discuss current realities and areas of shared interest between the two nations. He noted that while Russia is ready for dialogue, the decision ultimately rests with the U.S. administration.

Putin described his past relationship with Trump as "businesslike and pragmatic" and claimed that the Kremlin has never refused opportunities to engage with the White House.

Putin referred to his war against Ukraine as a "crisis" and suggested that if Trump had remained president after the 2020 election, the conflict might not have arisen. He aligned with Trump’s claims of a "stolen" election, suggesting that the current situation could have been avoided under Trump’s leadership.

On the possibility of ending the war in Ukraine, Putin criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's decree banning negotiations with Russia. He said that international supporters of Ukraine should pressure Zelenskyy to revoke the decree as a step toward potential peace talks.

Putin’s comments underscore Russia’s attempts to position itself as open to dialogue while attributing responsibility for the continuation of hostilities to Ukraine and its Western allies. He also sought to align with Trump’s narratives to bolster Russia’s diplomatic stance.

Three people injured in Russian drone attacks on civilian cars in Sumy Oblast

Three people sustained injuries following Russian FPV drone strikes on two civilian vehicles in Sumy Oblast, according to the Sumy Oblast Prosecutor's Office.

On January 24, Russian forces targeted two cars traveling through the Myropillia hromada in the Sumy district. The first attack occurred at approximately 10:45, injuring the driver of the vehicle.

The second incident took place at around 13:45, when another vehicle was struck by a drone, leaving two male passengers injured. Both vehicles sustained damage from the strikes.

Law enforcement authorities are currently documenting the aftermath of the attacks, and a pre-trial investigation has been launched to establish further details.

The attacks highlight continued Russian aggression targeting civilian infrastructure and individuals in Ukraine, particularly in frontline regions like Sumy Oblast.