Austria
The Hungarian government has released photos of cash and gold bars seized from seven detained Ukrainian cash collectors. Videos of the Ukrainians' arrest by Hungarian special services were also released.
Seven Oschadbank employees who were escorting armored vehicles are being illegally held in Hungary. The bank demands their immediate release and the return of valuables worth $40 million, €35 million, and 9 kg of gold.
Seven Ukrainian citizens, detained in Hungary with armored vehicles transporting $40 million, €35 million, and 9 kg of gold, have reportedly already been deported. Ukraine demands explanations from Hungary regarding the detention and release of its citizens.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha confirmed the seizure of seven Oschadbank employees by Hungarian security forces in Budapest. Ukraine considers this a criminal hostage-taking and is preparing an appeal to the EU.
President Zelenskyy stated that a trilateral meeting with the United States will take place on March 5 or 6, but likely in Europe. He emphasized that Ukraine will not give up Donbas, and proposals for territorial exchange do not serve its interests.
U. S. Navy Admiral Brad Cooper briefed Donald Trump on potential military options regarding Iran. The briefing took place on the day of indirect U.S.-Iran talks in Geneva.
President Zelenskyy met with U4U MEPs. They discussed the restoration of Ukraine's energy system and the scaling up of the PURL program.
In the Austrian Alps, five people died as a result of a series of avalanches due to heavy snowfall. Among the victims are a 42-year-old German and three skiers near the resort of St. Anton.
Ukraine has agreed to attract over 600 million euros in financial and technical assistance for the restoration of its energy sector. The country will also receive equipment from at least six decommissioned European combined heat and power plants (CHPPs) and thermal power plants (TPPs).
Austrian Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger visited Kyiv with a delegation to assess the situation and send a signal of support to Ukraine. She noted the brutality of Russian attacks and heating problems in Kyiv.
In Austria, mountaineer Thomas P. is on trial, accused of gross negligence leading to the death of his girlfriend Kerstin H. She froze to death on Austria's highest mountain, Grossglockner, after he left her alone during a storm.
Snow avalanches in the European Alps have claimed the lives of several skiers, and a train has derailed in Switzerland. A high risk of avalanches persists due to unstable snow cover.
On the Italian side of Mont Blanc, two skiers died as a result of an avalanche. The incident occurred on the Couloir Vesses route; one victim was evacuated but died in the hospital.
Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker stated the need to make energy costs the top priority of the EU leaders' summit. High energy tariffs threaten the competitiveness of the industrial sector.
Minister of Energy Denys Shmyhal announced complex electricity supply schedules for Tuesday and Wednesday due to low temperatures. He also mentioned a review of the list of critical infrastructure facilities and increased control over electricity distribution.
Former footballer Iya Andrushchak has become the head coach of the Ukrainian women's national team, replacing Volodymyr Pyatenko. The team will start their 2027 World Cup qualifiers in a difficult group with Spain, England, and Iceland.
The logistics major was served with a notice of suspicion for corruption, fraud, and evasion of duty. He received bribes for substituting food products, embezzled part of the supplies, and systematically traveled abroad.
Today, an additional 9 MW of capacity is planned to be launched in Kyiv. This will help stabilize the electricity supply after Russian attacks.
The sale of LUKOIL International GmbH for $22 billion and the loss of Gazprom Germania by Gazprom indicate the degradation of Russia's international business. Sberbank and VTB also lost their European assets.
In Kyiv, 63 teams are working on restoring power grids, and over 220 teams are restoring heat supply. NJSC "Naftogaz" is ready to provide another 40 teams of specialists.
On January 30, the world celebrates Croissant Day, a pastry with a 300-year history, which, despite popular belief, originated not in France, but in Austria. UNN offers to get acquainted with interesting facts about croissants and the 5 best recipes.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy discussed the energy situation and international support with Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker. Ukraine expects to join the European Union in 2027.
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.
Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov stated that housing programs should become the engines of Ukraine's recovery, and their implementation should begin now. Accessibility for people and long-term loans at low interest rates are key conditions.
Ukraine received 50 tons of humanitarian aid from the Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland, Finland, Spain, and Norway. The aid includes transformers, generators, and other energy equipment.
NABU and SAP announced suspicion to the former head of the State Border Guard Service and a current official of the State Border Guard Service. They were exposed for systematically receiving undue benefits for facilitating unhindered border crossing.
On January 17, two avalanches in the Austrian Alps claimed the lives of five skiers. Rescuers urge adherence to safety rules due to critical avalanche danger levels.
In the Lviv region, a Setra Vienna-Kyiv regular bus with 25 passengers veered off the road, hitting a guardrail and a tree. Nine passengers sought medical attention, seven were hospitalized.
Ukraine has announced the titles of the nine finalist songs for the national selection for Eurovision 2026. The tenth finalist will be chosen via the "Diia" app, and a live presentation of the songs will take place on January 15.
Deputy Prime Minister Oleksiy Kuleba summarized the results of 2025 in the transport industry, noting an increase in seats on international trains and the launch of the Eurotrack. The "transport visa-free regime" with the EU was extended, and digital systems such as eCherha and e-TTN were introduced.