Advisor to the President of Romania Dana Nicușor, MEP Eugen Tomac, announced readiness for negotiations on unification with Moldova. This decision depends on Chisinau's will and the support of partners.
The United Kingdom is imposing new sanctions on Iran, targeting the financial, energy, and other sectors. This comes amid protests and reports of the country's violent response.
The sale of the Royal Romance yacht, owned by Viktor Medvedchuk, requires a final court decision in the "coal case. " The court proceedings are ongoing, and the decision on the sale is within the competence of ARMA and Croatian authorities.
Estonian Finance Minister Jürgen Ligi stated that financial support for Ukraine should take precedence over EU budgetary discipline. He emphasized the need to mobilize resources to counter the threat to liberal democracy.
The Prosecutor General's Office has taken all possible and legally stipulated measures to arrest, preserve, and subsequently sell the Royal Romance yacht. Further decisions depend on judicial procedures, the powers of ARMA, and international partners, and not on unilateral decisions of the prosecutor's office.
The Head of the Ministry of Culture of Ukraine, Tetiana Berezhnaya, and the Minister of Culture of Cyprus, Vasiliki Kassianidou, discussed the preservation of Ukraine's cultural heritage and the development of cooperation. Cyprus invited Ukraine to a meeting of EU culture ministers in 2026.
Germany and the Netherlands want Ukraine to be able to buy American weapons with the €90 billion EU loan. France insists on preferential treatment for EU military companies.
Swedish Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard called on the EU to increase economic pressure on Russia. She proposed including in the 20th sanctions package a ban on maritime services for vessels transporting Russian energy resources, and strengthening restrictions on the export of Russian fertilizers.
Moldovan President Maia Sandu stated that she would vote for unification with Romania if a referendum were held. She believes this would help protect the country's democracy from Russian pressure.
The Government of Greenland rejected Donald Trump's idea of the territory coming under US control, emphasizing the impossibility of annexation. The island confirmed that its defense would be carried out through NATO.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz suggested that the EU and India could sign a free trade agreement by the end of January after meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The presidents of the European Commission and the European Council will visit India to sign the agreement if it is finally agreed upon.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that after the development of a peace plan and security guarantees for Ukraine, Russia must demonstrate its interest in ending the war. The 20-point peace plan was discussed by Zelenskyy and Trump in 2025.
EU Commissioner Andrius Kubilius proposed creating a joint EU military force of 100,000 soldiers. This force could replace the American contingent in Europe and ensure the continent's independent defence.
Top Slovak officials, including the president, the speaker of the National Council, and the prime minister, have advocated for an end to military aid to Ukraine. The country will also not send soldiers or participate in guarantees for a large loan from the European Commission.
European allies, including Great Britain, are discussing the deployment of military forces in Greenland. This is to protect the Arctic from Russia and China and to convince Trump to abandon the annexation of the island.
Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares has called on Europe to create its own army and integrate its defense industry. This would allow the continent to act independently of third countries, strengthening security and condemning Russian aggression.
Donald Trump is increasingly disappointed with Vladimir Putin, considering him a greater obstacle to peace in Ukraine than Zelenskyy. The American leader has changed his position on the Russian dictator.
The UN Security Council will convene on January 12 at Ukraine's request following massive Russian airstrikes and the use of the Oreshnik missile. Russia used the Oreshnik hypersonic missile on January 8-9 in western Ukraine, claiming it was a response to a "terrorist attack" against Putin's residence.
Following Ukraine, Latvia will initiate a UN Security Council meeting due to intensified Russian shelling near EU and NATO borders and Russia's use of the "Oreshnik" missile.
Cypriot authorities are investigating a video on the X network that questions the funding of President Nikos Christodoulides' campaign. Law enforcement classifies this as a hybrid disinformation operation by the Russian Federation aimed at undermining the state's reputation.
President Zelenskyy stated that the 'Oreshnik' strike on Lviv region is a clear challenge for Warsaw, Bucharest, and Budapest. He emphasized the need for a system of joint actions and defense.
EU countries have supported a trade agreement with the Mercosur bloc, paving the way for its signing next week. The agreement, which concludes 25 years of negotiations, will create an integrated market with 780 million consumers.
The SBU has located fragments of the Russian ballistic missile "Oreshnik," which the enemy used to strike the Lviv region on January 8-9, 2026. Among the found parts are a stabilization and guidance unit, engine components, fragments of the orientation mechanism, and nozzles.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas stated that Russia's use of the 'Oreshnik' missile is an escalation against Ukraine and a warning to Europe and the US.
Ukraine initiates an urgent meeting of the UN Security Council and the Ukraine-NATO Council after Russia's statements about the use of the "Oreshnik" missile in the Lviv region. This strike near the borders of the EU and NATO poses a serious security threat.
Donald Trump stated that he would have to choose between controlling Greenland and preserving NATO. The US President believes that owning Greenland is psychologically necessary for his success.
French farmers have blocked roads to Paris and landmarks, protesting against the EU-Mercosur trade agreement. They demand an end to government policies destroying cattle herds.
The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine has approved a draft of the new Labor Code, which is intended to replace the 1971 Code of Labor Laws and launch labor market reform. The document provides for the de-shadowing of employment, flexible labor contracts, digitalization of relations, a transparent mechanism for determining the minimum wage, and labor inspection reform.
President of the European Council António Costa stated that the security guarantees agreement is a key step towards achieving a just peace in Ukraine. He also emphasized that Ukraine's accession to the EU is an important security guarantee.
The foreign ministers of Germany, France, and Poland will hold a meeting in Paris. The main topic of discussion will be support for Ukraine.
