EU High Representative Kaja Kallas stated that the world order is transforming, with Russia remaining the main threat. She emphasized the importance of European unity for security.
The European Union is stepping up its support for peace and humanitarian initiatives in crisis regions. In particular, the EU is preparing to resume missions in Gaza and is imposing sanctions against parties to the conflict in Sudan.
EU High Representative Kaja Kallas confirmed that Ukraine's future is linked to the EU, but enlargement is viewed geopolitically. She emphasized the need for political will and tangible results for new countries to join.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha briefed the EU Council on the situation at the front, emphasizing the need to reach 50,000 Russian losses per month. He called for full strategic autonomy for Europe and funding for the PURL program.
EU foreign ministers have agreed to designate Iran's IRGC as a terrorist organization. This move is a response to the repression and brutal crackdown on protesters.
The EU Council imposed sanctions on 15 individuals and 6 entities in Iran for human rights violations, as well as on 4 individuals and 6 entities for military support to Russia. The restrictions include asset freezes and travel bans.
Chinese President Xi Jinping praised British Prime Minister Keir Starmer's visit to China. The UK promises broader access to Chinese markets for the British service sector, including visa-free travel.
The European Commission is providing Ukraine with 145 million euros in humanitarian aid and Moldova with 8 million euros to support Ukrainian refugees. Millions of Ukrainians are facing freezing temperatures without electricity due to Russian bombardments.
EU foreign ministers have approved new sanctions against Iran for suppressing protesters and supporting Russia. A political agreement is also expected on including the IRGC on the list of terrorist organizations.
Kaja Kallas stated that Russia is represented in negotiations by military personnel without a mandate for peace. She noted that the Russians are not serious about this and Russia should be pushed towards real negotiations.
EU diplomacy chief Kaja Kallas stated that Ukraine is making concessions for peace. She emphasized the need for more pressure on Russia and for providing Ukraine with tangible security guarantees, in which the US should be involved.
The European Union is preparing to list Iran's IRGC as a terrorist group after a change in France's position. This decision will be a response to the brutal suppression of protests in Iran and will lead to the freezing of the organization's assets.
Friedrich Merz stated that Ukraine will not be able to join the EU by 2027, as the integration process requires compliance with strict standards. He emphasized the unreality of rapid accession.
Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna called on the EU to accelerate the adoption of the 20th sanctions package against Russia. He emphasized the deteriorating state of the Russian economy and the decline in oil and gas revenues.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz expressed concern over the falling dollar exchange rate, which puts pressure on European exporters. He called on the EU to increase competitiveness amid the weakening American currency.
As of this evening, 610,000 consumers in Kyiv remain without electricity. Ukraine is attracting international aid, having received 437 generators and expecting more than 500.
The European Union will exempt gas from the United States and Qatar from additional checks under the ban on Russian gas. This will accelerate the supply of alternative energy sources and support the EU's energy security.
The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine has approved a new seven-member supervisory board for Energoatom, including four international experts. The new board is tasked with urgently appointing the company's management and analyzing its previous activities.
EU ambassadors have agreed on sanctions against 15 individuals and 6 organizations in Iran for suppressing protests. Sanctions have also been imposed against 4 individuals and 6 organizations for assisting Russia in the war against Ukraine.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine summoned Hungarian Ambassador Antal Heizer over false statements about Ukraine's interference in the elections. The Ukrainian side called on Hungary to stop anti-Ukrainian rhetoric.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has begun a visit to China to reset economic relations. This is the first visit of a British head of government to the PRC in eight years.
China provides Russia with machine tools and electronic components for the creation of nuclear hypersonic missiles, which are produced at the Votkinsk Plant. This allows Russia to circumvent Western sanctions and accelerate arms production.
Six communities in the Lviv region have implemented a project to introduce the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Four of them have already approved programs, and the level of awareness among participants has increased by 42%.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico denied a Politico report about his concerns over Donald Trump's condition. He called the article "a lie" and stated that he did not speak at the summit where he allegedly made such assessments.
The European Union has launched part of its €10. 6 billion secure satellite network to create an alternative to Starlink. Ukraine has already requested access to this system, which is expected to be fully operational by 2030.
Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó agreed with the words of his Ukrainian counterpart Andriy Sybiha that Hungary is the only obstacle to Ukraine's accession to the EU. Szijjártó stated that as long as they are in power, Ukraine will not become a member of the European Union.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico expressed concern about Donald Trump's "psychological state" after their meeting on January 17. Fico called Trump "dangerous," which shocked European diplomats.
A Spanish rescue vessel escorted the Chariot Tide tanker, which is under EU sanctions for carrying Russian oil, to the port of Tanger-Med in Morocco. The ship's engine had broken down, and it was drifting in international waters.
A new survey in 23 EU countries revealed growing skepticism about Brussels' migration policy. The majority of citizens demand that national governments independently guard their borders, which threatens the Schengen area.
The Hungarian government has launched a campaign to collect signatures against EU funding for Ukraine, arguing that it threatens to impoverish Hungarians. The campaign is unfolding ahead of elections where Orbán's party could lose its lead.
