Cyprus
Two Greek F-16 fighter jets based in Cyprus were scrambled after a drone was detected near Lebanese airspace. The airspace over Larnaca airport was temporarily closed.
The conflict in the Middle East is spreading, with strikes and attacks continuing. Israel has launched strikes against Iran, while Lebanon, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait have also been attacked.
European officials are concerned that a US operation against Iran will divert attention from the war in Ukraine. This could lead to a decrease in US arms supplies and a weakening of support for Kyiv.
Britain is sending the destroyer HMS Dragon and helicopters to Cyprus to strengthen air defense. This decision was made after the Iranian drone attack on Akrotiri airbase.
France will send a warship to Cyprus to strengthen air defense after a drone attack on a British base. Great Britain is considering sending the destroyer HMS Duncan to protect the Akrotiri airbase.
From the end of 2026, Ukrainians traveling to the EU will have to undergo a paid electronic ETIAS authorization costing 20 euros. This system does not cancel the visa-free regime, but requires prior permission for short-term trips.
Iranian drones and missiles flew over the Middle East, reaching Cyprus. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha expressed solidarity with the affected countries and condemned Iran's destabilizing role.
A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Golestan Palace in Iran, has been damaged following an American-Israeli strike. The Mirror Throne Hall and museum exhibits had been evacuated earlier.
Qatar has halted LNG production after two Iranian drones attacked its energy facilities. Israel and Iran exchanged new strikes, and drones were intercepted over Cyprus and the UAE.
Residents of the Persian Gulf countries awoke to explosions after night attacks, in which Hezbollah intervened in the conflict. Explosions were recorded in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, Bahrain, Lebanon, Israel, Kuwait, Iran, and Cyprus.
A powerful explosion, caused by an Iranian drone attack, occurred at the Royal Air Force Akrotiri base in Cyprus. This happened after Britain granted the US permission for strikes on Iranian targets.
Following the death of Ali Khamenei, Ayatollah Alireza Arafi became the interim leader of Iran. He joined the provisional leadership council along with the president and the chief justice.
The British Defence Secretary noted that these missiles were not aimed at the bases, but their launch demonstrates Iran's recklessness.
British and French troops have completed preparations for a peacekeeping mission in Ukraine. This comes amid statements from London and Paris about their readiness to lead a contingent in the event of a ceasefire.
The tanker "Seahorse" with Russian diesel fuel for Cuba has stopped in the North Atlantic. This delay threatens to deepen the fuel shortage on the island, where the electricity supply situation is already catastrophic.
The tanker "Sea Horse" with 200,000 barrels of Russian diesel fuel is heading to Cuba, despite US sanctions. The vessel is expected to arrive in Havana in early March 2026.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha considers talks about fixing the date of Ukraine's accession to the EU, previously mentioned as 2027, to be realistic. Ukraine is working to overcome the Hungarian veto, emphasizing a common path with Moldova.
EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos announced her intention to review the partnership with Turkey ahead of her visit to Ankara on February 6. Turkey is seen as an important partner due to its potential role in the Black Sea region after the war in Ukraine.
Cypriot authorities have confirmed that the body found last month on the coast belongs to Russian businessman Vladislav Baumgertner. His remains were discovered a week after his disappearance in Limassol on January 7.
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 January, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held 20 meetings and 14 telephone conversations, visiting France, Cyprus, Switzerland, and Lithuania. Following these contacts, Ukraine received NASAMS air defense missiles from Norway, the 31st package of military aid from Finland, and significant energy support from other partners.
Ukraine's GUR exposed 66 ships of the "shadow fleet" of Russia, Iran, and Venezuela that transport sanctioned oil. Among them are tankers associated with Cymare Shipmanagement Ltd and Cymare Navigation FZC, which provide Russia with petrodollars.
A new survey in 23 EU countries revealed growing skepticism about Brussels' migration policy. The majority of citizens demand that national governments independently guard their borders, which threatens the Schengen area.
Proposals are being discussed to increase NATO's presence in the Arctic and grant the US sovereign claims to specific areas of Greenland. This would limit Russia's and China's access to mineral extraction on the island.
MHP became the first Ukrainian company to close a deal on a new Eurobond issue after the full-scale war. This opens a window to the public bond market for Ukraine. The funds will be used to repurchase 2026 bonds.
US President Donald Trump has backed down from his threat to invade Greenland and suspended the imposition of tariffs. He is considering the possibility of offering $1 million to each of Greenland's 57,000 residents for joining the US.
Ambassadors from 27 EU countries will hold an emergency meeting on Sunday after Donald Trump threatened to raise tariffs on European countries. This is due to the US demand to be allowed to purchase Greenland.
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has protested against the composition of the executive council for governing the Gaza Strip, which was unveiled by the White House. Israel did not approve this composition, which contradicts its official policy.
Britain and the US warn citizens against traveling to 16 countries, including Turkey, UAE, Cyprus, and Egypt. The reason is growing tensions in the Middle East and security risks.
The Head of the Ministry of Culture of Ukraine, Tetiana Berezhnaya, and the Minister of Culture of Cyprus, Vasiliki Kassianidou, discussed the preservation of Ukraine's cultural heritage and the development of cooperation. Cyprus invited Ukraine to a meeting of EU culture ministers in 2026.