Russia struck Izium, while Zelensky urged for Ukraine to be provided with nuclear weapons: news highlights from February 4th.

The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, stated that he is prepared to negotiate with the Russian dictator Vladimir Putin. Meanwhile, the Russian army launched a ballistic strike on the city of Izium in the Kharkiv region.

For more details on what occurred on Tuesday, February 4, refer to the article by RBK-Ukraine.

Russia's War Against Ukraine: Latest News

• The Russians once again attacked Ukraine with "Shaheds." Explosions were heard in Kyiv, and air defense systems were activated. The Cherkasy region was under heavy bombardment.
• The Ukrainian Air Force delivered a precision strike on the command post of one of the Russian units located near the settlement of Novoivanivka.

Scholz Condemns Trump's "Selfish" Plan to Link Aid to Ukraine with Access to Valuable Resources

Rare earth metals, which Trump expressed a desire to acquire, "should be used to fund everything that will be needed after the war," stated German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.

According to him, "it would be very selfish and egocentric" to use the funds obtained now to support defense efforts.

South Korean Intelligence Confirms Withdrawal of North Korean Troops from the Kursk Region

As reported by Yonhap, the National Intelligence Service of South Korea confirmed that the North Korean troops deployed in Kursk to support the Russians have not engaged in combat since mid-January. The likely reason for this action is heavy casualties.

It is estimated that North Korea sent around 11,000 soldiers to support Russia in its war against Ukraine. Of these, it is believed that 300 have been killed and approximately 2,700 injured.

Russians Abandon Some Forward Positions in the Kupiansk Direction

This was reported by the OSUV "Khortytsia." According to military sources, as a result of active fire impact from Defense Forces units, the enemy was forced to abandon their forward positions near one of the settlements. Currently, according to Ukrainian intelligence, the command of the occupying army is threatening execution to try to return personnel to their positions.

In this direction, the enemy unsuccessfully conducted offensive actions in the areas of Petropavlivka, Nova Kruglyakivka, and Zahryzovo.

Russia Strikes Izium with Ballistic Missiles: Many Injured, Casualties Reported

According to the head of the Kharkiv Regional State Administration, Oleg Sinehubov, the number of injured has reached 38 people, including 3 children, following the Russian missile strike (the data is being clarified). Five people have died.

Meanwhile, the head of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Valeriy Marchenko, reported that there is extensive damage due to the attack.

Markarova on Kellogg's Statement Regarding Elections in Ukraine: This Issue Was Not Discussed

Recently, Trump's special representative for Ukraine and Russia, Keith Kellogg, stated that the U.S. wants elections in Ukraine if there is a ceasefire with Russia.

"When this issue was theoretically discussed, in 2023-24, our position was that combat operations must be concluded first. During the war, we cannot ensure full access to voting and candidacy," said Ukraine's Ambassador to the U.S. Oksana Markarova.

"We Expect French Fighters." Zelensky Held a Meeting on Air Force Development

President Volodymyr Zelensky reminded that Ukraine has transitioned to F-16s, and this was one of the fastest transitions to a new type of aircraft among all countries.

"We also expect French fighters in our skies, which, under the command of Ukrainian pilots, will undoubtedly strengthen our defense," noted the head of state.

The Council of Europe Announced Significant Progress in Creating a Special Tribunal for Russia

"Today we witnessed important progress that will have a significant impact on the people of Ukraine for generations to come. However, the hard work is just beginning. We will not stop until Russia bears full responsibility and justice is served," noted the Secretary-General of the Council of Europe, Marija Pejčinović Burić.

Zelensky Announced Readiness to Sit Across from Putin at the Negotiating Table

According to Zelensky, he is prepared to do so if it is the only option that can bring peace to the people of Ukraine and prevent loss of life.

Mandatory Evacuation of Children from 12 Settlements Declared in the Donetsk Region, - OVA

"A decision was made to carry out a mandatory evacuation of children with their parents or guardians, or other legal representatives from 12 settlements in the Shakhivka community to safe regions," reported the head of the Donetsk Regional State Administration, Vadym Filashkin.