France
Anastasiia Merkusyna won a gold medal at the 2026 European Biathlon Championships in Sjusjøen, Norway, completing the individual race without misses. This is Ukraine's first award at these competitions.
France will ban civil servants from using American video conferencing platforms. This decision is part of efforts to transfer government activities to its own technological platform.
In Paris, unknown individuals vandalized the Galerie L art gallery, where 22-year-old Elizaveta Krivonogikh, whom the media calls Putin's illegitimate daughter, works. Vandals damaged display windows and left anti-Russian slogans, including "F*ck Putin."
The volume of Russian crude oil on tankers at sea has increased by 60 million barrels since late August due to reduced purchases by India. Russia is seeking alternative markets and using storage in Southeast Asia.
Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov discussed with his French counterpart Catherine Vautrin the strengthening of air defense, the supply of missiles, and Mirage 2000-5 aircraft. France will transfer additional domestically produced missiles and fighter jets.
The French National Assembly has approved a bill banning social media use for children under 15. This decision is driven by concerns about online bullying and mental health risks.
France opposes simplifying rules for Ukraine to purchase British Storm Shadow missiles, insisting on using EU funds exclusively within the bloc. Paris seeks EU strategic autonomy, which causes internal contradictions.
Ten Russian postal services, cooperating with operators from Germany and France, are part of a network through which sanctioned goods enter Russia. This was confirmed by Vladyslav Vlasiuk, the President of Ukraine's authorized representative for sanctions policy. Foreign components manufactured in 2024-2026 have been found in Russian Kh-101 missiles.
European leaders and industry representatives met in Hamburg to discuss cooperation in energy and security in the North Sea. The UK and Europe signed the Hamburg Declaration to implement large-scale offshore wind energy projects.
Michael Schumacher, the Formula 1 legend, can now sit in a wheelchair after his head injury in 2013. He understands some of the things happening around him.
The price of gold jumped to a record $5081. 18 per ounce in the spot market. The rise is driven by demand for safe-haven assets and geopolitical uncertainty.
In 2026, Ukraine ranked 20th in the global military power rating among 145 countries, according to Global Firepower. The rating takes into account over 60 indicators, including army size and economic potential.
A senior American official said that security guarantees from the US, not European ones, are crucial for Ukraine. The US will not send troops, but will provide satellite, intelligence, and logistical support.
The EU's foreign policy service has expressed concern about US President Donald Trump's "broad powers" in the Peace Council. The Peace Council's statute "raises concerns about the EU's constitutional principles."
International partners at the G7+ "Energy Ramstein" meeting confirmed their readiness to continue supporting Ukraine. Countries will provide over $400 million, almost €23 million, €23 million, €60 million, €10 million, and other aid packages.
On February 11, a summit of Western Hemisphere military leaders will take place in Washington, chaired by General Dan Caine. The goal is to create a united front against terrorist organizations and drug cartels that are destabilizing the region.
The oil tanker "Progress," carrying over 700,000 barrels of Urals crude, is drifting off the coast of Algeria after losing control. The LR2-class vessel, which was en route to the Suez Canal, suddenly changed course and lost speed.
The Royal Navy of Great Britain monitored Russian vessels in the English Channel as part of a two-day NATO operation. Two patrol ships intercepted the Russian warship "Boykiy" and the tanker MT General Skobelev.
President Zelenskyy called on Europe to strengthen the practical implementation of sanctions against Russia, particularly regarding oil transportation. He also emphasized the need to stop the supply of components for the production of missiles and drones.
IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva stated that Ukraine could become an "economic lion of Europe," but to do so, it needs to abandon electricity and heating subsidies. Expert Yuriy Korolchuk explained what this would mean for Ukrainians.
The United States and Norway have begun deploying troops for the "Cold Response 26" exercise in the High North. Approximately 3,000 U.S. Marines are arriving in January to train in extreme winter conditions before the active phase of the maneuvers in March 2026.
President Zelenskyy held a meeting in Davos on Ukraine's recovery, discussing ways to overcome challenges in energy and increase investment. He emphasized the importance of security guarantees for investment and business.
The French Navy in the Mediterranean Sea boarded a Russian "shadow fleet" oil tanker subject to international sanctions. The vessel was diverted, and a judicial investigation has been launched.
Donald Trump is developing a project for an international organization called the "Peace Council," which will be an alternative to the UN. Countries wishing to obtain a permanent seat must contribute $1 billion.
U. S. President Donald Trump today initiates the signing of the "Peace Council" charter in Davos, an alternative to the UN for resolving global conflicts. Over 25 countries will join, while European leaders express concern, and Ukraine is studying the format.
European countries are discussing the creation of alternative security formats, such as a "coalition of the willing," due to the weakening role of the United States. Ukraine, with its unique experience of modern warfare, is a key component of European security.
The 2026 European Futsal Championship starts on January 21 and will be held in Lithuania, Latvia, and Slovenia. The Ukrainian national team has announced its final squad for the tournament.
France has requested NATO exercises in Greenland, ready to contribute. This comes amid Trump's threats to annex the island.
Donald Trump proposed creating a "Peace Council" to replace the "ineffective" UN, inviting Putin to join it. This initiative is meeting with resistance from allies and disputes over its powers.
The French government has invoked a constitutional right to pass part of the 2026 budget without parliamentary approval. This decision is due to a lack of votes to approve the document, which could lead to a vote of no confidence in the government.