**Italian Defense Minister Visits Kyiv**
Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto arrived in Ukraine’s capital city, Kyiv, on January 16. He is expected to hold meetings with Ukrainian officials.
Crosetto’s visit comes as British Prime Minister Keir Starmer also arrives in Kyiv. Starmer will sign a “100 Year Partnership” agreement and discuss further cooperation with President Volodymyr Zelensky.
The Italian Defense Ministry did not reveal who Crosetto is expected to meet or the topic of the discussions.
**Ukraine War Updates**
Russian forces have launched drone attacks on Ukraine, with Ukrainian forces downing 34 out of 55 drones. Another 18 were lost.
In other news, Ukrainian forces captured 23 Russian soldiers during combat operations in Donetsk Oblast.
The capture of two North Korean soldiers by Ukrainian forces operating in Russia’s Kursk Oblast has been reported.
**Russia-Ukraine Conflict Escalation**
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that Ukraine aims to open all six EU accession negotiation clusters in 2025. He also emphasized the importance of continued military aid and NATO membership for security guarantees.
The US Treasury Department stated that recent actions by Ukrainian forces are a response to Russia’s war against Ukraine.
**International Reactions**
Outgoing US President Joe Biden mentioned Ukraine during his farewell speech on January 15, saying that his administration helped preserve Ukraine’s freedom.
US Secretary of State nominee Marco Rubio emphasized the need for concessions from both Russia and Ukraine in any potential peace negotiations with Donald Trump.
**Key Security Guarantees**
Zelensky stated that continued weapons shipments, NATO accession, and EU membership are key security guarantees. He also warned against reducing Ukraine’s military size, saying a large military is essential to guaranteeing the country’s security ahead of potential peace talks.
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