Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker stated the need to make energy costs the top priority of the EU leaders' summit. High energy tariffs threaten the competitiveness of the industrial sector.
The European Parliament has approved the resumption of a trade agreement with the United States, which was suspended due to tariff threats over Greenland. The agreement will be valid for 24 months, provides for the abolition of EU tariffs on US industrial goods and a 15% US rate on most EU goods.
Kaja Kallas stated that she would propose a list of concessions that Europe should demand from Russia for a settlement of the conflict in Ukraine. Among the conditions are the return of Ukrainian children and restrictions on Russian armed forces.
The situation in Kyiv is difficult due to low temperatures, but the blackout schedules are being maintained. Ukraine is strengthening cooperation with partners to obtain equipment and spare parts.
President Zelenskyy announced Ukraine's participation in two important international security events this week, including the Munich Security Conference. New support packages for Ukraine's defense are expected.
Georgia is patiently awaiting the restoration of relations with the United States after US Vice President J. D. Vance visited Armenia and Azerbaijan, bypassing Tbilisi. Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze stated that Georgia is ready to restore the partnership without preconditions.
European Commissioner for Defence and Space, Andrius Kubilius, will embark on a tour of EU countries. The goal is to persuade governments and the defence industry to ramp up missile production for Ukraine and European stockpiles.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Prime Minister of Moldova Alexandru Munteanu. They discussed the consequences of Russian shelling of energy infrastructure and the common path to EU membership.
Greece and Malta have expressed concerns about the EU's proposal to replace the price cap on Russian oil with a services ban. They fear the impact on the shipping industry and energy prices.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas stated that the people who booed US Vice President J. D. Vance at the Winter Olympics showed "European pride." This occurred after a series of critical remarks about Europe from American officials.
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko stated that a peace agreement with Ukraine is impossible without taking into account Russia's security interests. He called this a key factor in ending hostilities.
Moldovan Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu arrived in Kyiv for talks with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko. He expressed solidarity with Ukraine and commitment to peace.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will visit Hungary and Slovakia next week. The visit comes after Donald Trump endorsed Viktor Orban, who is trailing in the polls ahead of the elections.
Tom Berendsen, known for his support of Ukraine, will become the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands on February 23. The new minority government united three parties, and Berendsen represents the Christian Democratic Appeal.
Minister of Energy Denys Shmyhal announced complex electricity supply schedules for Tuesday and Wednesday due to low temperatures. He also mentioned a review of the list of critical infrastructure facilities and increased control over electricity distribution.
According to the Munich Security Conference report, the world has entered a period of politics of destroying the existing order. This is due to the fact that political forces that prefer destruction are gaining momentum in many Western societies.
The European Union is considering options for including Ukraine's membership in a peace agreement, including protection and immediate access to membership rights. The draft peace plan envisages EU accession in 2027, and the EU confirms that future accession is part of the discussions.
Heat supply has been restored in the Desnianskyi district of Kyiv. However, as of the morning of February 8, 1126 buildings in the Darnytskyi and Dniprovskyi districts remained without heat.
Defence City has officially launched in Ukraine, offering tax benefits and simplified procedures for defense enterprises. The first resident is a drone manufacturer, but experts point to risks and the need to refine the regime.
The Ukrainian Association of Football is negotiating with European associations regarding the status of Ukrainian footballers. Agreements have already been reached with France, Germany, Spain, and the Netherlands.
The European Commission will ask Meta to suspend new terms that prohibit rival AI chatbots from using WhatsApp. This is due to concerns that Meta is violating the bloc's antitrust rules.
Ukraine and France have agreed on joint arms production in both countries. This paves the way for large-scale projects in the defense industry.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha advocated for a complete ban on entry to the EU for Russian citizens who participated in the aggression against Ukraine. He emphasized that this would ensure the national security of European states and serve as the price for making the wrong choice.
The European Union is preparing for a week of intense diplomatic meetings, including a meeting of defense ministers, an economic summit, and the Munich Security Conference. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is expected to attend the Munich Conference.
Spain's ruling Socialist Party suffered a defeat in the snap regional elections in Aragon on February 8, securing 18 seats. The conservative People's Party leads with 26 seats, while the far-right Vox doubled its representation to 14 mandates.
The European Union and China have settled a trade dispute by agreeing on mechanisms for controlling electric car prices. Chinese car manufacturers will avoid tariffs if they adhere to a price threshold and invest in production in the EU.
Ukraine seeks to obtain Western security guarantees to deter future Russian aggression. At the same time, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasizes that any recognition of Russia's sovereignty over Crimea or Donbas will be legally invalid.
President Zelenskyy signed decrees on new sanctions against companies producing Russian missiles and drones, as well as against the Russian financial sector. These measures are aimed at stopping the supply of components for weapons and the functioning of the crypto market.
Polish border guards detained a Ukrainian who attempted to transport 12 illegal migrants from Lithuania. The driver was waiting for the group near the village of Sadzawki in a bus with German license plates.
Hungarian Prime Minister Orbán called Ukraine an enemy of his state, arguing that it threatens to increase the cost of living for Hungarians if the supply of cheap resources from Russia stops.
