European Union

The President of Ukraine expressed hope that Ukraine, the United States, Europe, and Russia will participate in peace talks. Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of the European voice as Ukraine seeks EU membership.

Poland's defense minister said that Europe should increase defense spending to influence the US position on Ukraine. Poland already spends 4.7% of its GDP on defense and buys $60 billion worth of American weapons.

Maia Sandu arrived in Kyiv for talks with President Zelenskyy. The two sides will discuss security, energy, infrastructure, trade, and a common path to the EU.

The Czech Republic has prepared an informal document on the gradual integration of Ukraine and Moldova into the EU internal market. The plan covers cooperation in energy, agriculture, and telecommunications and has already been supported by 8 member states.

The EU will not include a ban on Russian LNG imports in the new sanctions package. Instead, it will present a roadmap for a gradual phase-out of Russian energy by 2027.

In Slovakia, massive anti-government protests spread to more than 20 cities, with the largest rally in Bratislava gathering 40,000 people. The protesters oppose the pro-Russian policies of Prime Minister Fico and support European integration.

The Slovak prime minister announces a large-scale cyberattack on the national insurance company, accusing Ukraine and the opposition. According to media reports, it was a phishing attack, while Ukraine's Foreign Ministry denies the accusations.

The Ministry of Health presented the concept of reforming the pharmaceutical market with electronic bidding and regulation of drug prices. The Verkhovna Rada Committee supported the idea of e-trading, but rejected the restriction of discounts and the ban on retro bonuses.

The Russian Foreign Ministry is ready to restore relations with Georgia, but only if Tbilisi is ready. Moscow accuses the US and EU of interfering in Georgia's internal affairs and putting pressure on the country.

Today, rallies in support of prisoners of conscience will be held in five cities of Georgia. Participants of all the marches will gather near the parliament, such actions will be held every Friday.

Brent and WTI crude oil show a weekly drop of 3-4% after Trump's statements about increasing US production. The President demands that OPEC and Saudi Arabia reduce prices and increase investment in the US.

EU gas stocks have fallen to 58. 5% compared to 74% last year.

Ukraine views China as a key player in influencing Russia to achieve a just peace. In 2024, Ukrainian-Chinese relations intensified, and further development of contacts at all levels is planned.

Ukraine sees no prerequisites for restoring contacts with Lukashenka and does not recognize the results of the “elections” in Belarus. The Foreign Ministry expresses solidarity with its Western partners regarding the lack of conditions for fair elections.

The Foreign Ministry spokesperson said that the US and EU need to increase military support for Ukraine. Ukraine also seeks to increase investment in the defense industry and build self-sufficiency.

Ukraine's Foreign Ministry says that the sanctions potential against the Russian economy is not being used enough. Ministry spokesman Heorhiy Tykhyi said that the EU expects a new, enhanced package of sanctions by the end of winter 2025.

Irakli Kobakhidze supported Slovak Prime Minister Fico's statement about the threat of a coup d'état. According to him, protests in both countries are coordinated from one center.

The Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Health announced key reforms of the pharmaceutical market in 2025. It is planned to introduce parallel import of medicines, 2D coding and a new law on pharmaceutical services.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte called on the United States to continue supplying weapons to Ukraine and assured that Europe would pay the bill. He also warned against a possible Russian victory and called for increased support for Ukraine.

The National Bank of Ukraine has strengthened the official hryvnia exchange rate by 14 kopecks to 42. 0325 UAH/USD. On the interbank market, the dollar is trading at UAH 41.99-42.02, the euro at UAH 43.77-43.79.

President Zelenskyy has outlined the conditions for starting negotiations with Russia. The key requirements are security guarantees and the withdrawal of Russian troops to their positions by February 24, 2022.

NATO's Steadfast Dart 25 exercise begins in Romania. Starting January 22, the country will receive British military equipment, and in early February - French.

European Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis has announced financial assistance to Ukraine through the G7 ERA and Ukraine Facility. The funds will be used for the priority needs of the state budget and economic programs.

Kaja Kallas reported on intelligence forecasts of possible Russian aggression against the EU in 3-5 years.

Defense Minister Umerov announced the possibility of reaching a production capacity of €34 billion in 2025. This requires €18 billion in financing, technology transfer, and partnerships with European companies.

The EU is facing a new confrontation over Orban's refusal to sign the extension of sanctions against Russia. The Hungarian prime minister criticizes the sanctions regime and calls for the resumption of relations with Russia without restrictions.

The NBU has set the official exchange rate at 42. 17 UAH/USD, up 1 kopeck from the previous rate. In banks and exchange offices, the dollar can be purchased for UAH 42.40-42.60, and the euro for UAH 44.00-44.20.

The Slovak opposition has withdrawn a vote of no confidence in Prime Minister Robert Fico over his attempt to make the session closed. The opposition promised to initiate a new attempt to dismiss the government soon.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban expressed dissatisfaction with Ukraine's decision to stop gas transit from 2025. He announced Budapest's possible response and spoke against Ukraine's rapid membership in the EU.

Zelenskyy and Rama signed an agreement in Davos on 10 years of cooperation between the countries. Albania will provide military assistance and support the training of Ukrainian pilots for F-16s.