**Zelensky Warns of Russian Manipulation**
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of trying to manipulate U.S. President Donald Trump into achieving peace without Ukraine’s involvement.
On January 24, Zelensky said that Putin is attempting to “manipulate” the desire for peace in order to achieve his own goals. He also stated that he is confident that no Russian manipulations will succeed.
**Putin Signals Interest in Talks with Trump**
Earlier on the same day, Putin expressed willingness to engage in talks with Trump regarding the war in Ukraine. He praised Trump’s leadership and claimed that Russia has “never refused contact” with the U.S. administration.
Putin also made a claim that Trump’s defeat in the 2020 presidential election contributed to the war in Ukraine. However, this statement was met with skepticism by Zelensky and other officials.
**Kyiv Opposes Peace Negotiations**
Ukraine reiterated its opposition to any peace negotiations between Trump and Putin without the involvement of Ukraine and European partners. The country’s leadership views any such talks as a attempt to undermine their sovereignty.
**Russia Intercepts Ukrainian Drones**
The Russian Defense Ministry reported intercepting 121 Ukrainian drones overnight, amid ongoing tensions between the two nations.
**Protests Erupt in Slovakia**
Protests broke out in over 20 Slovak cities under the slogan “Slovakia is Europe,” targeting the government of Prime Minister Robert Fico. The protests were sparked by concerns about Russian influence and manipulation in the region.
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