Olga Rozgon
The Russian information space is using the IL-76 crash to stir up internal discord in Ukraine and weaken the West's willingness to provide military assistance. Analysts believe that this may be part of Russia's strategy to increase distrust of the Ukrainian government.
Finland has agreed to extend technical and personnel support from the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex) to patrol its eastern border with Russia until the summer.
Researchers have discovered four previously unseen colonies of emperor penguins in Antarctica. Some colonies have moved due to melting ice as a result of climate change, which has reduced the total population to 300,000 pairs.
Italy denies Russia's claims that an Italian officer, Lieutenant Colonel Claudio Castiglia, died in Ukraine, calling them "fake news. " The Italian Defense Ministry said that Castiglia died in Italy of natural causes.
The Dutch authorities have arrested three people associated with an international smuggling network accused of violating European sanctions against Russia. The group, which included administrators of a Dutch-registered company, is suspected of exporting to Russia technologies and laboratory equipment that could potentially be used for military purposes.
The Security Service of Ukraine exposed and detained a Russian agent who was planning a series of rocket and artillery strikes on the headquarters of the Armed Forces of Ukraine near Avdiivka. The agent was passing geolocation and strategic data on Ukrainian defense infrastructure to the FSB.
Moldovan Foreign Minister Nicu Popescu announced his resignation, saying he needed a break but would continue to help Moldova integrate into the EU. There are rumors that his position may be taken by Deputy Speaker of Parliament Mihai Popsoi.
Ukraine has reintroduced a ban on the use of Euro-3 and Euro-4 fuel, renewing the requirements for fuel quality not lower than the Euro-5 environmental standard. The country had abandoned the use of Euro-3 and Euro-4 fuel standards in 2016, but due to the Russian invasion and the need for additional fuel, it relaxed the standards.
Bulgaria is not protected from ballistic missile attacks and urgently needs to modernize its air defense systems.
The Colombian Navy has seized a homemade submarine carrying nearly 800 kg of cocaine, the first such seizure this year. The seizure comes amid record high cocaine production.
Poland has suspended an investigation into the 2022 missile incident that killed two people in Przewodów due to lack of cooperation from Ukraine.
acado-telecom, a moscow-based internet provider used by several russian government agencies, including the putin administration, sberbank and the fsb, has been subjected to a hacker attack that led to a large-scale outage.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban said he had invited Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson to Budapest and that the key topic of their meeting would be negotiations on Hungary's accession to NATO.
The Security Service of Ukraine detained a woman accused of working for the Russian Federation. The suspect identified and passed to the enemy forces in Donetsk region the locations of the Ukrainian Armed Forces and heavy weapons.
A man in Bukovyna will stand trial on charges of molesting and raping his daughter and two stepdaughters. He could face life in prison.
Poland and the United States have launched two pairs of F-16 fighter jets in response to Russia's intense missile attacks on Ukraine. This step is aimed at ensuring the security of Polish airspace amid the activity of Russian long-range aviation.
Sony Group has canceled its $10 billion merger deal with Zee Entertainment, which could have potentially created one of the largest television companies in South Asia. Disagreements over who would head the new entity led to the termination of two years of negotiations.
According to a study by the European Commission, China has outpaced the EU in research on clean energy technologies, including solar, wind, lithium batteries, and carbon capture technologies. The EU plans to reduce its dependence on Chinese technology by strengthening inspection powers and potentially blocking foreign investment.
US House Speaker Mike Johnson is facing growing discontent among Republicans over his handling of government spending and legislative negotiations. Insiders predict that he could lose his position by 2025 if party discontent continues.
Belarus is preparing to integrate its business in the occupied territories of Ukraine by opening a consulate in Rostov. This step contradicts international law as it supports Russia's occupation of a sovereign country.
Since the start of the full-scale invasion, Ireland has spent more than €750 million on social benefits for more than 110,000 Ukrainian refugees. Most of the funds have been used to help refugees find jobs and pensions for those over the age of 66.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico says Ukraine "must give" part of its territory to Russia to end the war. Fico, who has promised to oppose Ukraine's membership in NATO and sanctions against Russia, is expected to meet with Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal on January 24.
According to a poll conducted by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology (KIIS), 69% of Ukrainians believe they are moving toward political unity, which is 34% more than in 2020. The perception of deepening splits has decreased to 25%.
The Russian firm HiderX is developing an "invisibility suit" that will not be visible to Ukrainian thermal imagers, according to the US Institute for the Study of War. Testing of the suit will be completed by the end of January 2024.
Dutch lawmakers will vote on whether to make King Willem-Alexander and his family pay income tax, which would require a constitutional amendment. The initial proposal has enough support in the House of Representatives, but the support of the Senate is less clear.
The Greek government has decided not to hold a referendum on same-sex marriage and adoption, despite opposition from the Orthodox Church. This decision confirms previous political commitments.
The UK Ministry of Defense has successfully tested the DragonFire directed laser weapon system against airborne targets. The range of the system is classified, but it can hit any visible target and operates with an accuracy equivalent to hitting a £1 coin from a distance of 1,000 meters.
Russian doctors have been sent to the temporarily occupied Melitopol due to a shortage of staff, as local residents have either left or refuse to cooperate with the occupation forces. The healthcare system, which now serves mainly the military and emergency cases, is collapsing.
Estonia will annually allocate an additional €14 million for development to Ukraine, including €12. 8 million for the Estonian Development Program, €1 million for humanitarian aid, and €200,000 for business development. The aid will be used to finance sectors such as education reform, healthcare development, digital and cyber solutions, and construction.
The Security Service of Ukraine has arrested a former employee of the Donetsk customs office who was adjusting enemy strikes on the Ukrainian Armed Forces near Vuhledar. The suspect, who is also accused of passing important information to Russian special services, could face life in prison.