The volume of Russian crude oil on tankers at sea has increased by 60 million barrels since late August due to reduced purchases by India. Russia is seeking alternative markets and using storage in Southeast Asia.
A 35-year-old KGB spy from Belarus, who had been working for Belarusian special services since 2015, has been detained in Kyiv. She attempted to infiltrate one of the units of Ukrainian military intelligence.
The European Union and India have concluded negotiations on a comprehensive free trade agreement, which includes reducing tariffs on cars and wine from the EU. This agreement strengthens economic and political ties between the world's second and fourth largest economies and has mixed implications for Ukraine.
In December, electric vehicle sales in the European Union for the first time outpaced gasoline cars, despite proposals to relax emissions standards. Overall car sales are growing for the sixth consecutive month.
Russia is tightening control over internal political processes in Belarus through the Union State, aiming to minimize the risks of regime change. Economic cooperation is taking on a military character, integrating Belarusian enterprises into Russia's military production.
The French National Assembly has approved a bill banning social media use for children under 15. This decision is driven by concerns about online bullying and mental health risks.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy discussed the energy situation and international support with Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker. Ukraine expects to join the European Union in 2027.
At the World Economic Forum in Davos, Volodymyr Zelenskyy criticized European leaders for their indecisiveness and lack of strategic unity. He stated that Europe must become an independent global power, not a "salad of small and medium-sized states."
The European Union and India have reached a free trade agreement that provides for a significant reduction in tariffs on cars and wine from the EU. This agreement is called the "mother of all deals."
The restoration of Ukraine's economy through EU integration is important, but it does not replace reliable security guarantees from the US and the Coalition of the Willing. The Kremlin is trying to blame Ukraine for delaying the peace process, despite its own unwillingness to compromise.
France opposes simplifying rules for Ukraine to purchase British Storm Shadow missiles, insisting on using EU funds exclusively within the bloc. Paris seeks EU strategic autonomy, which causes internal contradictions.
Minister of Energy Denys Shmyhal held a meeting of the Staff, where they discussed replacing the generation of damaged thermal power plants and humanitarian aid from partners. Ukraine received 31 tons of equipment from Spain, Finland, Norway, and Austria, and expects new deliveries.
Ten Russian postal services, cooperating with operators from Germany and France, are part of a network through which sanctioned goods enter Russia. This was confirmed by Vladyslav Vlasiuk, the President of Ukraine's authorized representative for sanctions policy. Foreign components manufactured in 2024-2026 have been found in Russian Kh-101 missiles.
The Kyiv Regional Prosecutor's Office has uncovered a scheme for the illegal supply of Ukrainian critical equipment to Russia. Three company employees have been notified of suspicion; the value of the transferred devices is approximately 9 million hryvnias.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte called on the EU not to limit arms purchases for Ukraine with the 'buy European' rule. He stressed that Europe cannot meet all of Ukraine's defense needs without supplies from the United States.
Hungary and Slovakia will challenge the EU's ban on Russian gas imports in court. The countries state that this contradicts their national interests.
Power outages increase the costs of food production, storage, and logistics. This leads to a gradual increase in prices for energy-dependent goods such as meat, dairy products, and bread.
Irish Minister for European Affairs Thomas Byrne stated that Ukraine will be discussed during the visit of EU leaders to India. The visit aims to conclude a free trade agreement.
The European Commission maintained contact with the Ukrainian and American delegations before and after the trilateral talks involving Ukraine, the US, and Russia in Abu Dhabi. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy previously stated that the results of the talks would be communicated to the Europeans.
The European Commission confirmed its work on a prosperity plan for Ukraine, but without mentioning a date for EU accession. The issue of accession is considered a security guarantee and an element of prosperity.
The European Union has launched an official investigation into the Grok chatbot over suspicions of creating manipulative sexualized images. Regulators will check the company's compliance with the Digital Services Act.
Deputy Minister of Defense Serhiy Boyev presented the defense plan for 2026, focusing on air defense and drones. To implement the strategy, $120 billion is needed, half of which will be covered by Ukraine.
On January 26, the EU Council adopted a regulation on a gradual ban on Russian gas imports. The full ban on LNG imports will come into effect in early 2027, and on pipeline gas in autumn 2027.
India and the European Union will announce a free trade agreement that includes India reducing tariffs on car imports from the EU by up to 40% from 110%. This will pave the way for an expanded market for European cars and Indian electronics, textiles, and chemicals.
Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić stated that the peace plan for Ukraine envisages its accession to the European Union on January 1, 2027. However, he noted that some EU member states, including Poland, the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Slovakia, would not agree to this.
President Zelenskyy met with the presidents of Lithuania and Poland in Vilnius. Energy support, strengthening air defense, Ukraine's accession to the EU, and diplomatic work were discussed.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha reacted to Viktor Orban's statements about blocking Ukraine's accession to the EU. Sybiha accused Orban of fulfilling "Putin's whim" and compared him to Hungarian politicians during World War II.
Beijing demonstrated restraint at the World Economic Forum, contrasting with Washington's aggressive rhetoric. China aims to become a predictable partner for the EU, attracting Western investment and benefiting from the cooling relations between the US and the European Union.
The oil tanker "Progress," carrying over 700,000 barrels of Urals crude, is drifting off the coast of Algeria after losing control. The LR2-class vessel, which was en route to the Suez Canal, suddenly changed course and lost speed.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, at a closed-door EU summit, urged European leaders not to confront Donald Trump, calling it a "bad idea. " She argued that Europe could lose everything in the event of a conflict with him.
