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.
On January 30, the draw for the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 season playoffs took place in Switzerland. The matches will be held on February 19 and 26, and the winners will advance to the round of 16.
The draw for the 2025/26 Champions League playoff round has taken place, with 16 teams competing for a spot in the round of 16. Among the participants are Ukrainian footballers and their clubs, who have learned their opponents.
The IAEA Board of Governors held an emergency meeting regarding nuclear risks from Russia's systematic attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure. IAEA head Rafael Grossi confirmed that these attacks fall under the organization's mandate and pose direct nuclear risks.
The French Air and Space Force conducted exercises simulating an offensive operation against a high-tech adversary. A key element was the launch of SCALP cruise missiles from Rafale fighters in a scenario close to combat operations with Russia.
France is working on a bill to ban social media for children under 15, following the example of Australia and Denmark. In Ukraine, restrictions are only discussed at the level of ideas.
EU foreign ministers have approved new sanctions against Iran for suppressing protesters and supporting Russia. A political agreement is also expected on including the IRGC on the list of terrorist organizations.
Ukraine could become significantly less dependent on American intelligence as Europe is ready to provide information. This would reduce the criticality of a halt in American aid.
France will increase pressure on Russia and is preparing new sanctions at the European level. This comes after condemning Russia's attack on a passenger train in the Kharkiv region.
The French National Assembly unanimously approved the abolition of "marital duty. " This clarifies the absence of an obligation to engage in sexual relations within marriage.
The European Union is preparing to list Iran's IRGC as a terrorist group after a change in France's position. This decision will be a response to the brutal suppression of protests in Iran and will lead to the freezing of the organization's assets.
The Ukrainian national futsal team defeated the Czech Republic 5:3 and advanced to the quarterfinals of the 2026 European Championship. Their next opponent will be the French national team.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron. Ukraine will receive generators from France, as well as additional supplies of aircraft, missiles for air defense systems, and aerial bombs.
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.
