President of the European Council António Costa stated that the security guarantees agreement is a key step towards achieving a just peace in Ukraine. He also emphasized that Ukraine's accession to the EU is an important security guarantee.
The foreign ministers of Germany, France, and Poland will hold a meeting in Paris. The main topic of discussion will be support for Ukraine.
Ukraine is counting on accelerating progress with clusters for EU accession during Cyprus's presidency of the Council of the European Union. Strengthening sanctions against Russia and bolstering air defense were also discussed.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is in Cyprus today, where the ceremony marking the country's assumption of the EU Council presidency will take place. He will meet with the President of the European Council, the President of the European Commission, and the President of the Republic of Cyprus.
Andriy Kovalenko, head of the Center for Countering Disinformation at the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine, stated that Ukraine will become the main guarantor of Europe's stability because it has an army that understands modern warfare. He emphasized that European military autonomy is gaining special meaning, as Europe was late with militarization.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy highly praised the meeting of the Coalition of the Willing in Paris on January 6, where 27 heads of state, the EU, NATO, and other representatives were present. He emphasized the importance of joint declarations and the readiness to deploy coalition forces for real security.
International financial institutions predict a prolonged slowdown of the Belarusian economy until 2026 due to sanctions and dependence on Russia. GDP growth of 1.4–1.8% and inflation of 7–7.5% are projected under the baseline scenario.
A summit of Ukraine's allies is taking place in Paris, where EU leaders may prepare a joint statement on security guarantees. Progress is expected in defining the guarantees that allies can provide, as well as discussing a peace plan.
European officials are discussing sending 15,000-30,000 troops to Ukraine, with France and Great Britain leading the ground and air components, and Turkey ensuring the security of transport routes in the Black Sea, ahead of the summit in Paris, where specific commitments regarding Ukraine's security are expected.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban believes that the European Union will collapse on its own, but his country will not leave the EU. He also stated that he would not give money to Ukraine because "Ukrainians will not give it back."
Representatives from 35 countries will meet in Paris for a summit on security guarantees for Ukraine. This will be preceded by a reception for French President Emmanuel Macron, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, US President Donald Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff, and Jared Kushner.
The European Commission plans to introduce digital infrastructure laws in 2026. The goal is to reduce the EU's dependence on foreign technology companies, which could lead to a conflict with Washington.
Leaders of Greenland and Denmark have urged US President Donald Trump to stop threatening to take over Greenland. Trump stated that Greenland is needed by the US for defense and national security, citing its strategic importance and the presence of Russian and Chinese ships.
In 2025, the number of initial asylum applications in Germany decreased by 51% compared to 2024, reaching 113,236 applications. This is explained by increased border controls, the suspension of family reunification, and a change of regime in Syria, as well as a 20% increase in deportations.
According to the results of 2025, Russia's foreign trade continued to degrade due to falling world energy prices and oil production quotas. The share of fuel and energy goods in exports decreased to 54.9%, and imports of investment goods decreased by 8.7%.
Ukraine has imposed sanctions against 95 individuals and 70 legal entities, most of whom are citizens and residents of the Russian Federation. The restrictions apply to individuals and companies that produce communication equipment, electronic warfare systems, and microelectronics for the Russian military-industrial complex.
EU High Representative Kaja Kallas reacted to the events in Venezuela, where the government of Nicolas Maduro was overthrown. The EU calls for restraint, emphasizing adherence to international law and the protection of EU citizens.
In early January 2026, the capacity for electricity imports from the EU to Ukraine-Moldova increased to 2450 MW. This was the result of cooperation between transmission system operators and increases the resilience of Ukraine's energy system.
China received 22 shipments of liquefied natural gas from Russia's Portovaya and Arctic LNG-2 projects in 2023. All deliveries arrived at the Beihai LNG terminal in Guangxi.
Vasyl Zvarych, Ukraine's Ambassador to the Czech Republic, called the anti-Ukrainian statements by Czech Parliament Speaker Tomio Okamura disgraceful. Okamura spoke out against providing weapons to Ukraine, calling the war "senseless," and expressed unwillingness to see Ukraine in the EU.
A five-day mourning period has been declared in Switzerland following a bar fire at the Crans-Montana ski resort on January 2. More than 40 people died, and 115 were injured, many of them teenagers and tourists.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, in his New Year's address, called on Europe to follow his country's example. He highlighted the secure eastern border, strict asylum policy, and the largest modern army in the EU.
Czech Parliament Speaker Tomio Okamura spoke out against providing weapons to Ukraine, calling the war "senseless. " He stated that the money of Czech pensioners should not go to support "pro-war propaganda."
According to Kaliňák, Ukraine will never be in NATO. In his opinion, Ukraine will also have problems joining the European Union.
In Somalia, the military, with international support, eliminated militants of the "Al-Shabaab" group.
President Zelenskyy held a conversation with Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides regarding the priorities of Cyprus's presidency of the EU Council, which begins on January 1, 2026. Ukraine expects continued support and emphasizes the importance of EU membership as a guarantee of security.
EU diplomacy chief Kaja Kallas announced the strengthening of critical infrastructure after damage to underwater cables between Estonia and Finland. The EU will invest in new cables, enhance surveillance, and counter Moscow's shadow fleet.
Laws regulating the naming of alcoholic beverages of Ukrainian origin and ceasing the use of a number of EU geographical indications have come into force in Ukraine. Ukrainian producers will no longer be able to call their products "cognac" and "champagne."
The Ministry of Energy reported that Ukraine transported 6. 9 billion cubic meters of gas through interstate entry points in the year following the cessation of Russian gas transit. This concerns the needs of Ukraine and other countries through the Ukrainian GTS.
The SBU detained a 64-year-old resident of Makiivka in Kyiv, who had been working for the Russian occupation administration since 2014. She headed a kindergarten and implemented Russian educational standards, as well as agitated parents to cooperate with the occupiers.
