Ukrainian President Zelensky calls for an additional $100 billion in U.S. aid to support Ukraine amid ongoing conflict with Russia.

Zelensky says that U.S. still needs to give an additional $100 billion in Aid

Russia's use of glide bombs escalates the strain on Ukraine's air defense systems, which are increasingly unable to fend off attacks amid the ongoing conflict.

Russia-Ukraine War: Russian glide bombs adds pressure on Kyiv's diminishing Air Defenses

As Russian forces advance steadily across eastern Ukraine, President Zelensky confronts an unprecedented challenge, facing mounting pressure from Washington to hold elections while his troops lose ground on multiple fronts. Military setbacks and political demands from Ukraine's most critical ally threaten to unravel Kyiv's defensive strategy. Here's more.

Russia-Ukraine war: Why Trump wants Zelensky to hold polls?

Moscow is considering Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates as potential venues for future talks between Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump. Both leaders have recently expressed willingness to meet and discuss ending Russia's war in Ukraine, a conflict Trump previously boasted he could end before taking office.

Russia-Ukraine war: Saudi Arabia, UAE possible venue for Trump-Putin meet

Russia-Ukraine war: Zelensky faces double threat of military collapse and political crisis

As Ukrainian troops hang on a sliver of hope of Western Russia which they have occupied for six months, most of the soldiers have been ordered not to interact with the civilians living under their control, the Washington Post reported.&nbsp;
However, there's a small unit in the Ukrainian military which has been assigned specially for that. These soldiers wear uniforms but are unarmed and visit locals to help deliver food and medical aid. They are tasked to persuade the locals to abandon their long-held loyalties to Russian President Vladimir Putin.&nbsp;
These Ukrainian soldiers are also filming their outreach. This reflects the controversial role Kyiv plays as occupier in Russia's Kursk region, where some of its troops are engaged in deadly battles with &nbsp;Russian and North Korean troops.&nbsp;
Meanwhile, others are making a military-backed documentary about fighting for the hearts and minds of civilians, according to a Washington Post report.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-and-ukraine-blame-each-other-for-deadly-missile-strike-on-school-in-kursk-that-killed-four-8683804" rel="dofollow">Russia and Ukraine blame each other for deadly missile strike on school in Kursk that killed four</a>
For long, Russia has been hiding the realities of the Ukraine war from its citizens. But, as Ukrainians in the Kursk region attempt to reveal decades of deep-seated Russian propaganda, they are also carefully deploying their own.&nbsp;
They believe that their tactics will bolster its troop's credibility among Russians and disapprove of claims that they are abusing locals in Kursk.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-hints-at-major-steps-with-putin-to-end-ukraine-conflict-8679710" rel="dofollow">Trump hints he and Putin could soon take 'decisive steps' to end Ukraine conflict</a>
Moreover, these tactics used by Ukrainian troops are being used among a population largely made up of Soviet-born retirees and others who were unwilling or unable to flee the surprise Ukrainian attack in August.&nbsp;
These people have been cut off from most communication, with no working phone network or electricity, and the Ukrainian troops they meet are the only human contact they have with the outside world.&nbsp;
<h2>'Planting seeds of truth in their hands'</h2>
Col. Oleksii Dmytrashkivskyi, who leads the military&rsquo;s TRO Media division said, "We are planting the seeds of truth in their heads, which I&rsquo;m sure at some point will grow."
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-drone-barrage-kills-four-in-east-ukraine-8675037" rel="dofollow">Russian drone barrage kills four in east Ukraine</a>
Dmytrashkivskyi, who is also the spokesman for Ukraine's military commandant office in Kursk, is the one documenting the incursion.&nbsp;
However, the Washington Post was unable to independently verify accounts of the current situation for Russian civilians in Kursk because of the dangers of travelling in the region.
Russia has been claiming that Kyiv is mistreating civilians as it is controlling Kursk.&nbsp;
Amid Russian allegations that torture chambers had been found in parts of Kursk retaken by Russian forces, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told reporters that proof &ldquo;must be voiced and shown.&rdquo;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/russias-new-school-textbook-teaches-children-ukraine-war-was-inevitable-and-forced-upon-it-8661208" rel="dofollow">Russia's new school textbook teaches children Ukraine war was 'inevitable' and 'forced' upon it</a>
Dmytrashkivskyi said that these allegations of mistreatment are not true, adding, "The accusations that people were tortured in cellars are not supported by any evidence.&rdquo;&nbsp;
Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.
(With inputs from agencies)

World: Ukrainian soldiers are tasked to persuade the locals in Kursk to abandon their long-held loyalties to Russian President Vladimir Putin. 

As Ukrainian troops hang on a sliver of hope of Western Russia which they have occupied for six months, most of the soldiers have been ordered not to interact with the civilians living under their control, the Washington Post reported. However, there's a small unit in the Ukrainian military which has been assigned specially for that. These soldiers wear uniforms but are unarmed and visit locals to help deliver food and medical aid. They are tasked to persuade the locals to abandon their long-held loyalties to Russian President Vladimir Putin. These Ukrainian soldiers are also filming their outreach. This reflects the controversial role Kyiv plays as occupier in Russia's Kursk region, where some of its troops are engaged in deadly battles with Russian and North Korean troops. Meanwhile, others are making a military-backed documentary about fighting for the hearts and minds of civilians, according to a Washington Post report. Also read: Russia and Ukraine blame each other for deadly missile strike on school in Kursk that killed four For long, Russia has been hiding the realities of the Ukraine war from its citizens. But, as Ukrainians in the Kursk region attempt to reveal decades of deep-seated Russian propaganda, they are also carefully deploying their own. They believe that their tactics will bolster its troop's credibility among Russians and disapprove of claims that they are abusing locals in Kursk. Also read: Trump hints he and Putin could soon take 'decisive steps' to end Ukraine conflict Moreover, these tactics used by Ukrainian troops are being used among a population largely made up of Soviet-born retirees and others who were unwilling or unable to flee the surprise Ukrainian attack in August. These people have been cut off from most communication, with no working phone network or electricity, and the Ukrainian troops they meet are the only human contact they have with the outside world. 'Planting seeds of truth in their hands' Col. Oleksii Dmytrashkivskyi, who leads the military’s TRO Media division said, "We are planting the seeds of truth in their heads, which I’m sure at some point will grow." Also read: Russian drone barrage kills four in east Ukraine Dmytrashkivskyi, who is also the spokesman for Ukraine's military commandant office in Kursk, is the one documenting the incursion. However, the Washington Post was unable to independently verify accounts of the current situation for Russian civilians in Kursk because of the dangers of travelling in the region. Russia has been claiming that Kyiv is mistreating civilians as it is controlling Kursk. Amid Russian allegations that torture chambers had been found in parts of Kursk retaken by Russian forces, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told reporters that proof “must be voiced and shown.” Also read: Russia's new school textbook teaches children Ukraine war was 'inevitable' and 'forced' upon it Dmytrashkivskyi said that these allegations of mistreatment are not true, adding, "The accusations that people were tortured in cellars are not supported by any evidence.” Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. (With inputs from agencies)

Ukrainian troops brainwashing Russian minds in Kursk against Putin and filming it

A day after the attack on a school in Sudzha, a city in Russia's Kursk region, both Moscow and Kyiv have been trading blames for carrying out the deadly strike.
Four people were killed and four others seriously injured after the strike on the school, the General Staff of Ukraine's Armed Forces said.&nbsp;
Meanwhile, 84 people were rescued by Ukrainian servicemen from the rubble of the building.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-war-why-ukrainian-soldiers-are-running-away-as-war-with-russia-drags-on-8679412" rel="dofollow">&lsquo;Realised I&rsquo;m nobody, just a number&rsquo;: Why Ukrainian soldiers are running away as war with Russia drags on</a>
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/russia-0" rel="dofollow">Russia</a> bombed the boarding school where civilians were sheltering and preparing to evacuate.&nbsp;
"This is a state devoid of civility. And this is an evil that will not stop on its own. But if we act strongly and decisively, even Russia can be forced to stop. And this must be done to ensure the world is safe from Russian bombs," Zelensky said.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
This is how Russia wages war&mdash;Sudzha, Kursk region, Russian territory, a boarding school with civilians preparing to evacuate. A Russian aerial bomb. They destroyed the building even though dozens of civilians were there. This is how Russia waged war against Chechnya decades ago.&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/MG4MVhcumS">pic.twitter.com/MG4MVhcumS</a>
&mdash; Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) <a href="https://twitter.com/ZelenskyyUa/status/1885779119180238928?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 1, 2025</a></blockquote>
The General Staff said those in need of additional medical assistance were evacuated to medical facilities in Ukraine.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-drone-barrage-kills-four-in-east-ukraine-8675037" rel="dofollow">Russian drone barrage kills four in east Ukraine</a>
Meanwhile, the Russian Ministry of Defence claimed that the Ukrainian forces launched the missile strike on the school, adding that the missiles were launched from Ukraine's Sumy region.
<h2>Strike on Ukraine's Poltava</h2>
In another strike a Russian missile killed 11 people in the central city of Poltava while injuring 16 others, including four children. Twenty Two people were rescued from the rubble and emergency crews worked well into the night.&nbsp;
On Saturday, Russia launched a barrage of drones and missiles against Ukraine, killing at least 15 people and damaging dozens of residential buildings, including the energy infrastructure across the country.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-says-russia-ready-for-peace-talks-but-rules-out-speaking-directly-with-illegitimate-zelensky-8662995" rel="dofollow">Putin says Russia ready for peace talks but rules out speaking directly with 'illegitimate' Zelensky</a>
Russia on Sunday, sent 55 drones into Ukraine of which 40 were destroyed during the overnight attacks, said Ukrainian officials. Thriteen&nbsp;other drones were "lost", likely having been electronically jammed.&nbsp;
Moreover, the Russian Defence Ministry said that five Ukrainian drones were shot down overnight in five regions of western Russia, three over the Kursk region, and one each over the Belgorod and Bryansk regions.&nbsp;
Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos &nbsp; (With inputs from agencies)

World: Four people were killed and four others were seriously injured after the strike on the school, the General Staff of Ukraine's Armed Forces said. 

A day after the attack on a school in Sudzha, a city in Russia's Kursk region, both Moscow and Kyiv have been trading blames for carrying out the deadly strike. Four people were killed and four others seriously injured after the strike on the school, the General Staff of Ukraine's Armed Forces said. Meanwhile, 84 people were rescued by Ukrainian servicemen from the rubble of the building. Also read: ‘Realised I’m nobody, just a number’: Why Ukrainian soldiers are running away as war with Russia drags on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Russia bombed the boarding school where civilians were sheltering and preparing to evacuate. "This is a state devoid of civility. And this is an evil that will not stop on its own. But if we act strongly and decisively, even Russia can be forced to stop. And this must be done to ensure the world is safe from Russian bombs," Zelensky said. This is how Russia wages war—Sudzha, Kursk region, Russian territory, a boarding school with civilians preparing to evacuate. A Russian aerial bomb. They destroyed the building even though dozens of civilians were there. This is how Russia waged war against Chechnya decades ago.… pic.twitter.com/MG4MVhcumS — Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) February 1, 2025 The General Staff said those in need of additional medical assistance were evacuated to medical facilities in Ukraine. Also read: Russian drone barrage kills four in east Ukraine Meanwhile, the Russian Ministry of Defence claimed that the Ukrainian forces launched the missile strike on the school, adding that the missiles were launched from Ukraine's Sumy region. Strike on Ukraine's Poltava In another strike a Russian missile killed 11 people in the central city of Poltava while injuring 16 others, including four children. Twenty Two people were rescued from the rubble and emergency crews worked well into the night. On Saturday, Russia launched a barrage of drones and missiles against Ukraine, killing at least 15 people and damaging dozens of residential buildings, including the energy infrastructure across the country. Also read: Putin says Russia ready for peace talks but rules out speaking directly with 'illegitimate' Zelensky Russia on Sunday, sent 55 drones into Ukraine of which 40 were destroyed during the overnight attacks, said Ukrainian officials. Thriteen other drones were "lost", likely having been electronically jammed. Moreover, the Russian Defence Ministry said that five Ukrainian drones were shot down overnight in five regions of western Russia, three over the Kursk region, and one each over the Belgorod and Bryansk regions. Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos (With inputs from agencies)

Russia and Ukraine blame each other for deadly missile strike on school in Kursk that killed four

As Russia continues its offensive in Ukraine, Trump’s special envoy for Kyiv and Moscow, Keith Kog, has said that a deal could be negotiated within months between both nations to end the war. In an interview with Fox, the special envoy lauded U.S. President Donald Trump as a dealmaker. He also added that both Trump and he are working on a deal that will end the all-out war between Russia and Ukraine. Watch in for more details!

Russia-Ukraine War: US Envoy Positive On Deal Between Russia & Ukraine

As Russia continues its offensive in Ukraine, Trump’s special envoy for Kyiv and Moscow, Keith Kellogg, has said that a deal could be negotiated within months between both nations to end the war. In an interview with Fox, the special envoy lauded U.S. President Donald Trump as a dealmaker. He also added that both Trump and he are working on a deal that will end the all-out war between Russia and Ukraine. Watch in for more details!

Russia-Ukraine war: at least 4 killed in Russian strikes in Kursk

US President Donald Trump has said that he will speak to Russian President Vladimir Putin. Trump added that he thinks both leaders will soon do something significant. Watch in for more details!

Russia-Ukraine war: Trump says will do whatever I can to stop war

Russian forces are encircling the strategic eastern Ukrainian city of Pokrovsk, compromising Ukraine's supply lines and steel production. Watch this report for more details!

Russia-Ukraine War: Russia tightens grip on strategic Pokrovsk

Russia-Ukraine War: Ukraine battles to prevent strategic encirclement

An oil refinery in Russia's southern Volgograd region caught fire after an overnight Ukrainian drone attack, but the blaze has now been put out, the regional governor said on Friday.

Russia-Ukraine War: Ukraine launches drone strikes on Russia's largest oil refinery | WION Originals

Amid impending talks between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, Russian forces are pressing forward on multiple fronts across Ukraine. Both in the air and on the ground.

Russia-Ukraine War: Russian drones devastate Ukraine warfront before Putin-Trump talks

Russian forces have stormed and seized the strategic heights of Chasiv Yar, intensifying the conflict as Ukraine's defense efforts continue.

Russia-Ukraine War: Russians storm strategic heights of Chasiv Yar

A large-scale drone attack by Ukraine on Russian territory has left 2 dead and 2 injured, escalating tensions in the ongoing conflict.

Russia-Ukraine War: 2 killed, 2 injured in massive Ukraine Drone attack on Russia

A Russian drone attack that targeted cities across Ukraine killed at least four people in a Soviet-era residential block in the eastern city of Sumy, the interior ministry said.
Moscow has pummelled Ukrainian cities with dozens of drones or missiles almost daily since it invaded Ukraine in early 2022.
Images distributed by emergency services showed a gaping hole ripped into the side of the building and rescue workers working with headlamps, digging through debris for survivors.
"This is a terrible tragedy, a terrible Russian crime. It is very important that the world does not pause in putting pressure on Russia for this terror," President Volodymyr Zelensky wrote on social media.
Ukraine's human rights ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets said four people were killed and nine others, including a child, were wounded in Sumy.
The town lies just over the border from Russia in northeastern Ukraine and has been targeted regularly in Russian aerial attacks. Some 255,672 people lived there before the war.
The Ukrainian air force said Moscow had attacked with 81 drones, including the Iranian-designed Shahed-type unmanned aerial vehicles.
Their air defence units downed 37 of the drones in various regions, including Sumy and near the capital Kyiv.
In the southern region of Odesa, which lies on the Black Sea, officials said Russian drones targeted the port town of Izmail, one of several important Ukrainian export hubs.&nbsp;
Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience. &nbsp;

World: Ukraine's human rights ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets said four people were killed and nine others, including a child, were wounded in Sumy, in the Russian drone attacks that targeted cities across Ukraine.

A Russian drone attack that targeted cities across Ukraine killed at least four people in a Soviet-era residential block in the eastern city of Sumy, the interior ministry said. Moscow has pummelled Ukrainian cities with dozens of drones or missiles almost daily since it invaded Ukraine in early 2022. Images distributed by emergency services showed a gaping hole ripped into the side of the building and rescue workers working with headlamps, digging through debris for survivors. "This is a terrible tragedy, a terrible Russian crime. It is very important that the world does not pause in putting pressure on Russia for this terror," President Volodymyr Zelensky wrote on social media. Ukraine's human rights ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets said four people were killed and nine others, including a child, were wounded in Sumy. The town lies just over the border from Russia in northeastern Ukraine and has been targeted regularly in Russian aerial attacks. Some 255,672 people lived there before the war. The Ukrainian air force said Moscow had attacked with 81 drones, including the Iranian-designed Shahed-type unmanned aerial vehicles. Their air defence units downed 37 of the drones in various regions, including Sumy and near the capital Kyiv. In the southern region of Odesa, which lies on the Black Sea, officials said Russian drones targeted the port town of Izmail, one of several important Ukrainian export hubs. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Russian drone barrage kills four in east Ukraine

Russian President Vladimir Putin has ruled out any negotiations with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, calling him “illegitimate.” This comes as Russian forces took control of another key town in the Kharkiv region.

Russia-Ukraine War: Putin rejects talks with ‘illegitimate’ Zelensky as Russia captures another town

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Tuesday that his country could hold peace talks with Ukraine, but ruled out speaking directly with President Volodymyr Zelensky, whom he called "illegitimate".

Russia-Ukraine War: Putin rules out speaking directly with Ukrainian President Zelensky

Recently, reports have emerged suggesting that Israel may have been transferring seized Russian weapons from Lebanon to Ukraine. Israel's Ambassador to Ukraine, Michael Brodsky, has firmly denied these claims. However, indications point to the possibility that such a transfer is taking place. Is Israel secretly sending captured Hezbollah weapons to Ukraine?

Is Israel secretly arming Ukraine with Russian weapons seized from Hezbollah?

Overnight, Russia launched an attack on Ukraine using 100 drones, impacting seven regions. Ukraine claimed to have destroyed more than half of the drones, while others disappeared from radar. Over the past few months, Russia has escalated its air campaign in Ukraine, targeting front-line cities such as Kharkiv.

Russia-Ukraine War: Russia's barrage of 100 drones felt across seven regions of Ukraine

Russia intensifies its offensive in Ukraine, launching fresh attacks on Kharkiv and hitting residential areas in Odesa. The strikes have resulted in significant damage and casualties, escalating the ongoing conflict between the two nations.

Russia-Ukraine War: Moscow attacks Ukraine's Kharkiv, hits residential areas in Odesa

The ongoing Russia-Ukraine war has exposed significant vulnerabilities within the European Union, particularly in energy dependence and defense readiness. The conflict has highlighted the need for stronger EU unity and resilience in the face of geopolitical threats.

Russia-Ukraine War: Ukraine conflict exposes EU's strategic weakness

Ukraine's survival will be under a serious threat if peace talks fail to begin by the summer, Ukrainian intelligence chief, has said. Watch this report for more details!

Russia-Ukraine War: Ukrainian intelligence chief predicts collapse

The pro- Russian war media and bloggers reported that Russia has dismissed a senior Commander following claims that he made false reports about the progress of Russian forces in Ukraine. 
Ukrainian military bloggers reported Sunday (Nov. 24) that Colonel General Gennady Anashkin, the commander of the South Forces Group, was sacked after he provided misleading information regarding Russia’s position in the Siversk settlement in the eastern region of Donetsk. 
Watch in for more details!

Russia-Ukraine War: Kyiv Betrayed By Own Commander, Officer Caught Stealing Night Goggles

Has the Ukraine-Russia War Left the European Union Left Exposed?

A Russian spy ship was tracked passing through British waters this week amid growing concern over the secureness of undersea communication cables.

Russia-Ukraine War: Intel Chief Warns, Kyiv Won't Survive This Summer Without Talks

Continuing their relentless advance on the Ukrainian front lines, Russian forces have captured the town of Velyka Novosilka in the Donetsk region. Moscow's Defense Ministry stated that Russian troops had "liberated" the settlement, which is located to the west of Donetsk region. Watch in for more details!

Russia-Ukraine war: Russian captures Ukrainian town of Velyka Novosilka

Even as Russian President Vladimir Putin says he's ready for negotiation with US President Donald Trump on a peace deal, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says his allies should work towards determining a format for any upcoming peace talks with Russia.

Russia-Ukraine war: U.S. signals shift in Ukraine reconstruction policy

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Saturday (Jan 25) pointed to the possibility of peace talks with Russia to end the ongoing war, saying that the allies should work towards determining a "format" for any upcoming talks with Russia.&nbsp;
Zelensky added that Kyiv must be involved for successful negotiations.&nbsp;
His statement comes as the latest to the series of speculations over the possibility of talks to end the Russia-Ukraine war.&nbsp;
"I understand that contacts can be in different formats," Zelensky said, referring to possible negotiations that would lead to "a just peace".
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-ready-to-meet-russias-putin-immediately-to-help-end-russia-ukraine-war-8648730" rel="dofollow">Trump ready to meet Russia's Putin 'immediately' to help end Russia-Ukraine war</a>
"I think we should focus on this today," he added.
The Ukrainian president further said that talks to end the war should be held between the US, Ukraine, Russia, and the European Union.&nbsp;
"I can't say today what kind of negotiations will take place, what will be the structure of the negotiation process, because we don't have a common plan yet," Zelensky said.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-vladimir-putin-russia-ukraine-war-west-asia-crisis-reduction-in-oil-prices-8651474" rel="dofollow">If Trump's victory hadn't been stolen in 2020 polls, there wouldn't be crisis in Ukraine, Putin says</a>
He, however, clearly stressed that any negotiations that excluded Ukraine would not ultimately guarantee any lasting peace.&nbsp;
"It is impossible to exclude Ukraine from any negotiation platform, or this negotiation platform will not have real results but will have political results," he said.
<h2>Putin ready for talks</h2>
Earlier this week, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that he was ready for talks with US President Donald Trump on Ukraine.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/stop-this-ridiculous-war-now-trump-warns-putin-or-else-face-tariffs-sanctions-8645201" rel="dofollow">'STOP this ridiculous war now or else face high tariffs, sanctions': Trump warns Putin</a>
Putin also praised Trump as a "smart" leader who might have prevented the war if he had been the President of the US at that time.&nbsp;
&ldquo;I cannot but agree with him that if he had been president&mdash;if his victory hadn&rsquo;t been stolen in 2020&mdash;then maybe there would not have been the crisis in Ukraine that emerged in 2022," the Russian president said.&nbsp;
However, he did not mention when these talks could happen. Earlier, the Kremlin also said that it was awaiting "signals" from Washington.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hours-after-trump-inauguration-putin-dials-dear-friend-xi-jinping-heres-what-they-talked-about-8641637" rel="dofollow">Hours after Trump inauguration, Putin dials 'dear friend' Xi Jinping - Here's what they talked about</a>
Meanwhile, on Thursday, US President Donald Trump said he wanted to meet Putin as soon as possible to secure an end to the war with Ukraine and expressed a desire to work towards cutting nuclear arms.
(With inputs from agencies)

World: Ukrainian President Zelensky's statement comes as the latest to the series of speculations over the possibility of talks to end the Russia-Ukraine war. 

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Saturday (Jan 25) pointed to the possibility of peace talks with Russia to end the ongoing war, saying that the allies should work towards determining a "format" for any upcoming talks with Russia. Zelensky added that Kyiv must be involved for successful negotiations. His statement comes as the latest to the series of speculations over the possibility of talks to end the Russia-Ukraine war. "I understand that contacts can be in different formats," Zelensky said, referring to possible negotiations that would lead to "a just peace". Also read: Trump ready to meet Russia's Putin 'immediately' to help end Russia-Ukraine war "I think we should focus on this today," he added. The Ukrainian president further said that talks to end the war should be held between the US, Ukraine, Russia, and the European Union. "I can't say today what kind of negotiations will take place, what will be the structure of the negotiation process, because we don't have a common plan yet," Zelensky said. Also read: If Trump's victory hadn't been stolen in 2020 polls, there wouldn't be crisis in Ukraine, Putin says He, however, clearly stressed that any negotiations that excluded Ukraine would not ultimately guarantee any lasting peace. "It is impossible to exclude Ukraine from any negotiation platform, or this negotiation platform will not have real results but will have political results," he said. Putin ready for talks Earlier this week, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that he was ready for talks with US President Donald Trump on Ukraine. Also read: 'STOP this ridiculous war now or else face high tariffs, sanctions': Trump warns Putin Putin also praised Trump as a "smart" leader who might have prevented the war if he had been the President of the US at that time. “I cannot but agree with him that if he had been president—if his victory hadn’t been stolen in 2020—then maybe there would not have been the crisis in Ukraine that emerged in 2022," the Russian president said. However, he did not mention when these talks could happen. Earlier, the Kremlin also said that it was awaiting "signals" from Washington. Also read: Hours after Trump inauguration, Putin dials 'dear friend' Xi Jinping - Here's what they talked about Meanwhile, on Thursday, US President Donald Trump said he wanted to meet Putin as soon as possible to secure an end to the war with Ukraine and expressed a desire to work towards cutting nuclear arms. (With inputs from agencies)

Zelensky hints at possibility of peace talks with Russia, says allies should work on its ‘format’

Russian President Vladimir Putin says he is ready for dialogue with Donald Trump. The Kremlin states that Putin is waiting for a signal from Washington. This statement comes just a day after the US president said that he wants to talk with Putin, pushing for a reduction in nuclear arsenals amid the escalating tensions in Ukraine.

Russia-Ukraine war: Zelensky accuses Putin of trying to manipulate 'peace talks'

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