**Ukraine Ceasefire on Top of Trump’s Agenda**
The new US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, has said that ending the war in Ukraine is a “top priority” for President-elect Donald Trump. Speaking to journalists on January 20, Rubio stated that negotiations for a ceasefire would begin “almost immediately”.
Rubio, who was confirmed as the first high-level cabinet member of the new administration, acknowledged that Russia’s actions are seen as an “aggression” but stressed that the war needs to end. He didn’t provide a specific deadline, saying it would be complex and require concessions from both sides.
**Ukraine War Updates**
* Ukrainian forces struck targets in Russian territory overnight on January 21, including an oil depot and a command post.
* At least 15 civilians were injured in Russian attacks against Ukraine over the past day, regional authorities reported.
* A Ukrainian drone attack started a fire at a Russian aviation plant.
**International Reactions**
* The US Senate confirmed Marco Rubio as Secretary of State by a rare bipartisan consensus on January 20.
* Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and French President Emmanuel Macron urged for a “just and lasting peace” in Ukraine.
* German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock advised against politicizing aid to Ukraine during Germany’s election campaign.
**Russia-EU Relations**
* Gas deliveries from Russia to Europe continue despite EU efforts to halt them.
* China has become Russia’s largest supplier of goods, but Chinese imports have not fully replaced Western equipment and raw materials lost due to sanctions.
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