The European Union may replace the price cap on Russian oil with a ban on maritime services. This would strengthen sanctions against Moscow and simplify their application.
The European Union is extending temporary protection for Ukrainians without introducing new policies. The decision to extend the regime until March 2027 was agreed upon by all member states.
Rob Jetten, the prospective Prime Minister of the Netherlands, has announced a refusal to negotiate with Moscow and continued support for Ukraine. The new Dutch government has committed to providing annual military aid to Ukraine and supporting its path to EU and NATO membership.
Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Georgiy Tykhyi, commented on the EU sanctions against Russian propagandists, calling them accomplices in atrocities. He called for expanding the sanctions list and blocking propaganda channels.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed that Ukraine will be technically ready to join the EU by 2027. He stated that by the end of 2026, Ukraine will have completed the main steps required for membership.
Europeans are concerned about their own security due to Donald Trump's policies, which sparks discussions about NATO's future and the US role. Experts believe that NATO will survive, but the US role may diminish, and Ukraine will not join the Alliance in the next three years.
Russia's losses in the war against Ukraine have reached 1. 2 million people, forcing the Kremlin to seek mercenaries abroad. European governments are stepping up surveillance of Russian recruitment networks that attract migrants and students.
Naftogaz Group received 50 million euros from the EIB to ensure critical gas imports and support Ukraine's energy resilience during winter. The funds will allow for the purchase of fuel for combined heat and power plants and stable gas supply, and will also be reinvested in renewable energy.
On January 30, an uncontrolled fall of the second stage of the Chinese ZQ 3 R/B rocket is expected on European territory. The object, 13 meters long and weighing 11 tons, poses a potential danger to the southern regions of Denmark and the Baltic states.
The European Union plans to provide Ukraine with the first tranche of financial assistance within the framework of a new 90 billion euro loan package in April. This assistance is designed for 2026-2027, of which 60 billion euros will go to military needs, and 30 billion euros - to budget support.
Estonia has proposed to the EU Council an indefinite entry ban for all Russian military personnel who participated in the war against Ukraine. This is intended to prevent the legalization of these individuals in the Schengen area after the end of hostilities.
The European Union has blacklisted Russia over money laundering risks, which will complicate financial transactions with Russian banks. The EU is also preparing its 20th package of sanctions against Russia and is discussing a ban on former Russian military personnel entering the Schengen area.
France is working on a bill to ban social media for children under 15, following the example of Australia and Denmark. In Ukraine, restrictions are only discussed at the level of ideas.
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.
