German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is in talks with French President Emmanuel Macron regarding a joint European nuclear deterrent. This comes amid discussions in Europe about its own nuclear capabilities for the first time since the Cold War.
A POLITICO poll showed that most residents of France and Germany do not support sending peacekeepers to Ukraine. In Germany, 53% are against, and in France, 43% do not support the deployment of troops.
Friedrich Merz stated that Germany is doing everything for peace in Ukraine, providing leading support, especially in air defense. The country is launching large-scale projects in air defense and high-precision weapons.
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.
Norway and France have signed an agreement to provide Ukraine with key surveillance and air-to-ground weapon capabilities. These projects "reflect Ukraine's most urgent priorities and will have a rapid effect."
French President Emmanuel Macron does not intend to meet with Russian dictator Vladimir Putin in the coming days. Instead, he is focused on deepening cooperation within the European Union.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated that any diplomatic initiatives to end the war could be supported. He emphasized the key role of US leadership in this process.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated that security guarantees for Ukraine are being formed as a multi-level system that will come into effect after a peace agreement. Key elements are the Armed Forces of Ukraine, an international support coalition, and US participation.
Kaja Kallas stated that she would propose a list of concessions that Europe should demand from Russia for a settlement of the conflict in Ukraine. Among the conditions are the return of Ukrainian children and restrictions on Russian armed forces.
Russia's internet watchdog is slowing down Telegram's operations due to legal violations. Moscow is trying to force Russians to use the more tightly controlled domestic online service Max.
French President Emmanuel Macron seeks to involve European partners in resuming dialogue with Putin. He sent his advisor to Moscow, reopening technical channels for discussion.
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 Ukrainian Association of Football is negotiating with European associations regarding the status of Ukrainian footballers. Agreements have already been reached with France, Germany, Spain, and the Netherlands.
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.
Europe needs to reduce its dependence on American payment groups such as Visa and Mastercard, said Martina Weimert, head of the banking alliance EPI. This is due to concerns that their dominance could be weaponized in the event of a deterioration in transatlantic relations.
Ukraine and France have agreed on joint arms production in both countries. This paves the way for large-scale projects in the defense industry.
Train drivers in Spain began a three-day strike due to unsatisfactory safety conditions after two fatal accidents in January. The action by the Semaf union led to train service disruptions.
Vietnam has begun diversifying its arms purchases, moving away from Russian defense technologies in favor of Western standards. The country is negotiating with France for Rafale fighter jets and modernizing its army with the help of Israel and South Korea.
Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš advocates for a ban on social media use for children under 15, citing expert opinions on their harm. Similar measures are being considered by other countries, including France, where such a law has already been approved.
Last month, Kyiv's Air Force lacked interceptor missiles for Patriot systems, their launchers stood empty. This allowed ballistic missiles to freely shell power plants.
Ukraine seeks to obtain Western security guarantees to deter future Russian aggression. At the same time, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasizes that any recognition of Russia's sovereignty over Crimea or Donbas will be legally invalid.
Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council Rustem Umerov met with French Armed Forces Minister Catherine Wautrin. The parties discussed the security situation and further cooperation in the field of defense.
Italy's Minister of Infrastructure called a series of railway incidents deliberate sabotage and a direct attack on the state. Law enforcement is investigating the activities of anarchist groups and does not rule out external interference.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy discussed with French Armed Forces Minister Catherine Vautrin the strengthening of air defense and the supply of modern fighter jets. The meeting focused on bolstering the energy system and expanding the capabilities of the Ukrainian Air Force.
The European Commission spokesperson stated that contacts with Putin are possible under certain conditions, but there are currently no signals of Russia's readiness for peace. She also confirmed the absence of a common EU position on resuming interaction with the Kremlin but noted a change in the attitude of some member states.
The Louvre for the first time demonstrated the condition of Empress Eugenie's crown, damaged during the robbery on October 19, 2025. The relic retained almost complete integrity, making full restoration possible.
About a third of the countries participating in the military AI summit agreed to regulate the use of the technology in combat. However, military giants China and the US refused to participate.
Louis Vuitton has released a limited-edition mechanical desk clock in the shape of a vintage truck. Its price is 650,000 euros due to gilding, 1695 diamonds, and sapphires.
France and Great Britain are preparing a new modification of Storm Shadow/SCALP missiles, based on the successful experience of their use in Ukraine. The development of the Mk2 version will begin in 2026, focusing on improving guidance systems.
The International Olympic Committee is exploring the possibility of holding the Winter Olympic Games in January and the Paralympic Games in February. This is due to the shrinking number of locations with stable snow cover in March.
