Key developments in the Russia-Ukraine conflict – January 24, 2025

Friday 24 January 2025 - 09:08

The Russia-Ukraine war continues to intensify as air strikes and drone attacks have resulted in casualties across both nations. On January 24, 2025, Russian aerial strikes in eastern and central Ukraine killed three people and injured dozens, including a 53-year-old in Kostiantynivka and a 54-year-old in Kharkiv. Russia's Ryazan region reported the interception of three Ukrainian drones targeting Moscow, but no damage or casualties were reported. Ukraine ordered the evacuation of 267 children and families from frontline settlements threatened by Russian forces.

Ukraine has accused Russia of executing six unarmed Ukrainian soldiers who had been captured, citing evidence in footage of the crime. Ukraine's air force claimed responsibility for shooting down 57 of the 92 drones launched by Russia. Additionally, Ukrainian authorities reported that a missile attack on Zaporizhzhia had left over 51 people injured and caused widespread power and heating outages.

Russia's Ministry of Defence announced the capture of the village of Solone in Donetsk, while Ukraine's police conducted raids across the country to combat illegal arms sales and seize trafficking weapons.

In political and diplomatic developments, U.S. President Donald Trump expressed a desire to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin and indicated that Ukraine’s President Zelenskyy was ready to negotiate a ceasefire. European leaders discussed the continued impact of sanctions on Russia’s economy, with Belgium’s Prime Minister noting that Russia could sustain the war for at least another year. NATO officials affirmed Ukraine’s eventual membership in the alliance, contingent on peace, while warning that a Russian victory could weaken NATO's global standing.

On regional security, Germany deployed two air defense units to Poland to safeguard critical supply routes to Ukraine, while Kyiv confirmed early discussions on potential foreign military contingents. Russia denied recent accusations of espionage against the UK following allegations of a Russian spy ship.