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.
A fraudulent scheme disguised as EU social payments "Warm Winter" of UAH 6318 is spreading online. Fraudsters steal personal data and gain access to bank accounts.
The US and EU have developed a 10-year plan to raise $800 billion in public and private funds for Ukraine's reconstruction. The financing strategy extends until 2040 and will accelerate Ukraine's accession to the EU.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban stated that his country's parliament would not vote for Ukraine's accession to the EU for the next 100 years. Official Kyiv reacted, hinting that this plan is doomed to fail, as "the master in Moscow" will not last that long.
Polish farmers planned a strike on January 23 at the Dolhobyczów-Uhryniv checkpoint, but no lane blockages were recorded. About 30 people gathered near the border without official permits for the blockade.
President Zelenskyy considers the creation of united European armed forces within 3-5 years to be realistic, but it depends on the pace of decision-making, access to components, and political will. He emphasized that Ukraine, with its combat experience, could become the basis of such an army.
The meeting with Trump in Davos discussed strengthening Ukrainian air defense and additional PAC-3 missiles. Security guarantees have been finalized and are awaiting signing.
IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva stated that Ukraine could become an "economic lion of Europe," but to do so, it needs to abandon electricity and heating subsidies. Expert Yuriy Korolchuk explained what this would mean for Ukrainians.
The European Commission announced the proximity of an agreement with the US and Ukraine on a framework program for post-war Ukraine. The document offers a response built on five key pillars.
A new public conflict erupted between the leaders of Ukraine and Hungary. Orban accused Zelenskyy of unwillingness to end the war.
The Russian digital asset A7A5, created to circumvent sanctions, has reached $100 billion in transaction volume. However, demand for the token is declining due to tightening EU sanctions.
