The US Department of Justice has released millions of pages of documents from the Jeffrey Epstein investigation, detailing his connections with influential figures, including Steve Bannon and Elon Musk. These files have caused political uproar and led to the resignations of high-ranking officials in various countries.
A poll has shown that Ukrainians largely reject exchanging Donbas for guarantees, do not expect a quick end to the war, are ready to hold on for as long as it takes, support strikes on Russian territory, and at the same time maintain faith in Ukraine's EU membership.
Contacts between Putin and Putin and Zelenskyy are possible only in Moscow, said Putin's press secretary Dmitry Peskov. He also noted that the settlement is a complex process, where there are issues on which common ground has not yet been found.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot stated that all financial aid to Ukraine comes from Europe. He also noted that a significant part of intelligence and military support is also European.
Dmitry Medvedev called Donald Trump an effective leader who seeks peace, but noted that Russia has not detected American nuclear submarines off its coast. Trump seeks to go down in history as a peacemaker, and contacts with Americans have become more productive.
By 2026, Russia's energy revenues are projected to account for only 22% of its budget. The German government points to Russia's increasing economic difficulties and the depletion of its reserve fund.
According to Bild, the late financier Jeffrey Epstein may have brought women from Russia to the US for "honey traps" for politicians. The new "Epstein files" contain thousands of references related to Russia, including Putin's name.
Russia has begun reconstructing a Soviet-era garrison in Petrozavodsk, which, according to satellite imagery, may be used for a new 44th Army Corps. City authorities confirm the expansion of military presence as a Putin initiative.
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius expressed skepticism about Putin's peaceful intentions, despite diplomatic efforts. He emphasized that massive shelling of Ukraine and attacks on infrastructure indicate the opposite.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that territorial issues cannot be resolved without a direct meeting with the Russian leader. Ukraine is open to negotiations involving Russia and the United States, and also counts on security guarantees.
The Russian economy is entering 2026 in a state of critical overstrain, forcing the Kremlin to plan cuts in military spending. This comes amid renewed diplomatic contacts mediated by the United States.
Russian State Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin stated that the Russian parliamentary body demands a strike on Ukraine with 'retaliation weapons' starting next week. This phrasing was used by Hitler shortly before the capitulation of Nazi Germany in World War II.
A Gallup International poll shows that Ukrainians generally have a negative assessment of the leaders of the USA, China, and Russia. The attitude towards Trump is moderately negative, towards Xi Jinping it is predominantly negative, and towards Putin it is extremely negative.
The new START-3 treaty expires on February 5, which could lead to no limits on long-range nuclear arsenals. Putin proposed extending the treaty for a year, but Trump did not respond.
Special envoy of Russian President Vladimir Putin, Kirill Dmitriev, will visit Miami for meetings with members of US President Donald Trump's administration. This comes amid reports of a possible trilateral meeting involving Ukraine, the US, and Russia.
Donald Trump stated that Ukraine and Russia are close to a deal, despite the personal animosity between Zelenskyy and Putin. He also mentioned significant soldier losses over the past month.
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.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed that Donald Trump appealed to Vladimir Putin with a request to refrain from striking Kyiv for a week, allegedly until February 1.
President Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine would cease strikes on Russia's energy infrastructure if Russia agrees to the week-long truce proposed by the US. The Kremlin has not yet confirmed its consent to cease attacks.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that he is ready for "any format" of a leaders' summit, but not in Moscow or Belarus. He invited Putin instead.
The idea of an energy truce between Ukraine and Russia was discussed in Abu Dhabi. Kyiv will support a cessation of strikes if Moscow does not attack Ukrainian facilities.
US President's Special Envoy Steve Witkoff reported significant progress in the peace process for Ukraine. Negotiations will continue, and the security protocol and prosperity framework are almost complete.
Ukrainian officials learned about Trump's request to Putin to stop shelling from the words of the US president. No signals were received from Russia, the ceasefire agreement has not been confirmed.
Donald Trump stated that he personally asked Vladimir Putin not to strike Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities for a week. Putin agreed to this request.
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.
Last year, Russia's energy revenues decreased by 20% compared to 2024. This was due to increasing discounts on Russian oil and low global prices, which intensified pressure on the country's economy.
Ukraine could become significantly less dependent on American intelligence as Europe is ready to provide information. This would reduce the criticality of a halt in American aid.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the territorial issue regarding "Donetsk" is a key obstacle to a peace agreement. This issue remains the only one being worked on to reconcile the parties' positions.
The Center for Countering Disinformation reports on new Russian history textbooks for 10th and 11th grades that justify the war against Ukraine. They present the aggression as a "forced step" to save the world from NATO.
Putin's aide Yuri Ushakov stated Russia's readiness to meet with Zelensky in Moscow if he is ready for negotiations. The Russian side guarantees security and conditions for work but demands preparedness and a focus on results.
