European Union

The US President signed three executive orders imposing new tariffs on imports from Canada, Mexico and China. US importers will pay an additional 25% tax on goods from Canada and Mexico and 10% on Chinese goods.

Moldovagaz has sent 3 million cubic meters of gas to Transnistria on credit under EU guarantees. The region has to return the borrowed volume of natural gas by March 2025.

In Tbilisi, law enforcement officers searched the homes of protest movement activists, including the founders of the Daitove group. Equipment, money and protest symbols were seized from one of the activists.

US President Donald Trump announced his intention to “definitely” impose new duties on goods from the European Union. Specific details on the amount of duties and the list of goods have not yet been disclosed.

Russian troops are expanding their positions north of Kupyansk to force the Ukrainian Armed Forces from the eastern bank of the Oskol. The occupiers are planning a 6-9 month operation to surround the city and cross the river.

Italian Foreign Minister Tajani named three key steps for the EU to avoid a trade war with the United States. According to him, Europe needs to increase purchases of American goods, raise defense spending, and deregulate its economy.

The Czech Republic is preparing a new project to supply ammunition to Ukraine in 2025. The volume of new supplies will depend on available funding, but there is still enough ammunition in the world to purchase.

Georgian President Kavelashvili announced the suspension of EU accession talks due to his unwillingness to comply with Brussels' demands. He accused “foreign governments” of trying to drag Georgia into the war in Ukraine.

A group that organized a channel for illegal migration from Latin America and Central Asia was exposed. The criminals earned UAH 2.5 million by helping foreigners obtain visas using forged documents.

Hungarian Prime Minister Orban announced a possible veto of EU sanctions against Russia in 6 months if gas transit does not resume. Hungary received guarantees from the EU to resume transit.

19 EU member states have asked the European Investment Bank to increase defense funding. The countries propose to expand the list of authorized activities and issue “defense bonds.

Due to a technical failure in Belgium's air traffic control system, Robert Fico's plane returned to Bratislava. The meeting with representatives of the European Commission on gas transit and other issues was canceled.

The European Commission has approved a €1. 065 billion European Defense Fund program for joint defense projects. The funds will be used for research in cyber defense, naval operations, and other critical areas.

The European Commission has officially denied information about the possibility of resuming purchases of Russian gas in exchange for peace talks. The spokesperson for the EC President confirmed the course of refusal from Russian gas.

The flag of the European Union was removed from the ceremonial hall of the Georgian president's residence. The new president, Mikheil Kavelashvili, left only the national flag and the presidential standard.

The European University of Viadrina documents the environmental damage caused by Russia's war in Ukraine, which could reach 72 billion euros. 220 nature reserves have been damaged, 25 thousand hectares of forest destroyed, and 1 million hectares of land mined.

The President of the European Council announced the readiness of NATO member states in the EU to increase defense spending by more than 2% of GDP. Since 2022, military spending has already increased by 30%.

Ukraine protested to the Slovak ambassador over Prime Minister Fico's statements about interference in internal affairs. The Foreign Ministry called on Bratislava to stop relaying Kremlin rhetoric and return to constructive dialogue.

Lithuania, Estonia, Latvia, and Poland call on the EU to increase military spending to 3% of GDP. The countries propose to use joint borrowing and allocate 50 billion euros for the production of artillery.

The Ministry of Culture has included Nikita Dzhigurda in the list of persons threatening the national security of Ukraine. The actor took part in anti-Ukrainian events in the occupied territories and sent aid to Russian troops.

The European partners demand that the Healthcare and Defense Departments work effectively and with full management. Deputy Prime Minister Stefanishyna emphasized the importance of fulfilling commitments and avoiding aggressive communication.

The PACE adopted the resolution “European commitment to a just and lasting peace in Ukraine” with 86 votes. The document supports the “peace through strength” formula and for the first time recognizes China's role in supporting Russian aggression.

50. 2% of Poles believe that Ukraine will not be able to join the EU and NATO without resolving the issue of exhumation of the victims of the Volyn tragedy. Most supporters of this position are oppositionists and middle-aged people.

Russia's sovereign wealth fund will be exhausted in early 2026 at current military spending levels. Russia is actively seeking support from the EU to resume energy purchases and ease sanctions.

European officials are discussing the possibility of resuming imports of Russian pipeline gas as part of a peace settlement. Germany and Hungary support the initiative to reduce energy prices.

The European Commission plans to cut administrative costs for companies by 25% and for small businesses by 35%. The plan is aimed at stimulating innovation and increasing competitiveness with China and the United States.

The Syrian government has asked Russia to extradite Bashar al-Assad, who fled to Moscow in December. Damascus is also demanding compensation for supporting the Assad regime and participating in the reconstruction of the country.

The EU Court of Justice has rejected an appeal by Oleksandr Vinokurov to lift sanctions imposed over the war in Ukraine. Lavrov's son-in-law, who is the president of Marathon Group and a shareholder in Magnit, remains under restrictive measures.

“Moldovagaz and Tiraspoltransgaz signed an agreement to supply 3 million cubic meters of gas on credit. Transnistria must repay the borrowed gas by March 2025.

The EU plans to add 35 individuals and 19 companies from Russia, the DPRK and China to the sanctions list. The new package will include prohibitive duties on fertilizers and certain agri-food products.