Ten Northern European countries, including Germany and Poland, have agreed to prepare for cross-border civilian evacuation. This decision was made based on Ukraine's experience to minimize chaos and protect citizens in the event of aggression.
In February, President Zelenskyy held 31 international meetings and 11 phone calls, visited Munich, and hosted leaders of partner countries in Kyiv.
The far-right AfD party has sparked a scandal by questioning the German government about critical vulnerabilities in NATO's defense. This move is seen as fulfilling a "Kremlin's task list," providing Moscow with a strategic advantage.
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.
France will not boycott the opening ceremony of the Paralympic Games in Milan and Cortina on March 6. This decision was made despite the admission of Russian and Belarusian athletes to the competitions under national flags.
President Zelenskyy met with U4U MEPs. They discussed the restoration of Ukraine's energy system and the scaling up of the PURL program.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, European Council President António Costa, and leaders of the Nordic-Baltic Eight arrived in Kyiv. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha welcomed them in the capital.
Russia has de facto annexed Belarus and uses its infrastructure to attack Ukraine and destabilize NATO. Belarus has lost its sovereignty and is an accomplice in the aggression.
In January 2026, Georgia exported 4. 1 million liters of wine, which is 3.3% less than in January 2025. Export revenues fell to $12.1 million, while sales to Russia increased to $8 million.
The Ukrainian public broadcaster will not broadcast the opening ceremony of the XIV Winter Paralympic Games. This decision was made due to the admission of athletes from Russia and Belarus under their national symbols.
Estonia and Latvia have begun implementing the Baltic Defense Line, purchasing 600 bunkers to fortify their eastern border. This project, worth 60 million euros, is expected to be completed by the end of 2027.
At the same time, the channel plans to show the opening and closing ceremonies and inform viewers about the context of the admission of athletes from the Russian Federation and Belarus.
Sweden has recognized Russia as the main military threat to itself and NATO. A military intelligence report points to airspace violations and cyber operations as examples of aggressive actions.
Georgia's "friendliness" rating towards Russia increased from 15 to 19. 4 points over the year, according to a study by a Russian institute. The country is now in the category of "Relatively friendly/unfriendly communication regimes."
The Ministry of Energy discussed the consequences of Russia's massive attack on infrastructure, especially in the Odesa region and on the left bank of Kyiv. Ukraine will receive 10 generators from Estonia, 32 boilers from Italy, and equipment from other countries.
Germany and France are discussing possible formats for cooperation in the field of nuclear deterrence. The talks are not aimed at weakening the US role in European security.
Poland will denounce the Ottawa Convention from February 20, 2026, to produce anti-personnel mines for border protection. The decision is part of the "Eastern Shield" strategy due to Russian aggression and the experience of the war in Ukraine.
Latvia and Estonia have expressed their readiness to join discussions on creating a common nuclear deterrent in Europe. Germany and France also touched upon this issue at the Munich Conference.
Kaja Kallas believes that the EU should define its key demands to Russia before peace talks begin. She emphasizes that it is important to know what to ask for at the negotiating table.
UK Defence Secretary John Healey discussed with his Baltic and Northern European counterparts the possibility of confiscating oil tankers linked to Russia's shadow fleet. The goal is to tighten restrictions on Moscow's war economy.
Large-scale NATO exercises in Estonia revealed serious tactical shortcomings in intense drone warfare. Ukrainian drone specialists simulated the destruction of 17 NATO armored vehicles.
For the first time since the Cold War, European countries are discussing the development of their own nuclear deterrence capabilities. This is due to a possible loss of confidence in the US nuclear umbrella.
Following the meeting of the Contact Group on Ukraine's Defense, 17 countries announced new support totaling $38 billion. The aid includes funds for drones, air defense, and missiles for Patriot.
Northern European countries are concerned that the EU loan to Ukraine could lead partners to abandon bilateral support. This renews discussions about burden-sharing between Northern and Southern Europe.
Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha welcomed Estonia's decision to join the steering committee of the Council of Europe's Special Tribunal on the crime of aggression against Ukraine. This step is a clear signal towards accountability and the restoration of international law.
A Latvian court sentenced a truck driver to three years in prison for attempting to illegally smuggle 10,000 cartridges into Russia. The man hid the ammunition in a toolbox, claiming he was transporting it for shooting sports.
NATO countries have agreed to gradually increase defense spending to 5% of GDP by 2035. This will be accompanied by strengthening the Alliance's defense industry and capabilities.
Captain of the container ship NewNew Polar Bear, Wang Wenguo, pleaded not guilty in the case of damage to underwater infrastructure between Finland and Estonia. A Hong Kong court is considering charges of criminal damage caused by the ship's anchor.
Kaupo Rosin, Director General of the Estonian Foreign Intelligence Service, stated that Russia will not attack Estonia or another NATO country next year. However, the Kremlin still poses a danger by strengthening its armed forces.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha advocated for a complete ban on entry to the EU for Russian citizens who participated in the aggression against Ukraine. He emphasized that this would ensure the national security of European states and serve as the price for making the wrong choice.
