Germany
About 200,000 Syrian refugees have returned to their country since the fall of the Assad regime. Most refugees left Syria because of repression and are now returning because of instability in neighboring countries.
German Foreign Minister Annalena Burbock commented on the photo of her allegedly ignoring Scholz's outstretched hand. The minister denied speculation that she was protesting over the blocking of aid to Ukraine.
Anton Dukach won a gold medal at the Luge Nations Cup VI in Winterberg. The athlete set a new track record with a result of 51.274 seconds.
German Foreign Minister Annalena Burbock criticized her government for its slow provision of military aid to Ukraine. She also condemned previous governments for policies that led to dependence on Russia.
The eruption of the Laager See volcano occurred 150 years earlier than thought and did not cause a cold snap in Europe. This is confirmed by new studies of the speleotheme from the Herbstlabyrinth cave and ice cores from Greenland.
The first “Unity Hub” center for Ukrainian refugees in Germany will be established in Berlin. The center will provide cultural opportunities, language courses, and employment assistance.
The Ukrainian president named the United States, Hungary, Slovakia, and Germany as countries that did not want Ukraine to join NATO. During a press conference with the British prime minister, he noted that each of these countries had their own reasons.
Ukraine is fully provided with vaccines for 2025 thanks to the support of GAVI. Experts note that the country is lagging behind in terms of including new vaccines in the vaccination schedule, in particular against pneumococcal and rotavirus infections.
The President of Ukraine said that most Western countries do not want to recognize the possibility of further Russian aggression after Ukraine. According to him, this is the main mistake that prevents them from strengthening their support for Ukraine.
The German Foreign Minister welcomed the agreement on a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. Under the terms of the agreement, Hamas will release 33 Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners.
Zelenskyy outlines ambitious plans for European integration during the Polish and Danish presidencies of the EU Council. Ukraine aims to open 5-6 negotiating clusters on EU accession within a year.
The German government has approved authorization for the Bundeswehr to shoot down unknown drones that threaten people or critical infrastructure. The decision was made due to an increase in the number of cases of drones flying over strategic targets.
The Cologne District Court has banned Aldi Süd from selling chocolate called “Dubai” that is made in Turkey. Only sweets produced directly in Dubai can bear this name.
A Panamanian-flagged tanker carrying 99,000 tons of Russian oil is adrift in German waters. German customs authorities are inspecting the vessel, which will remain under guard until the process is completed.
Ukraine received a 155 mm DITA self-propelled artillery system from the Czech Republic. The system is automated, requires only two operators and has a high rate of fire.
Germany has provided Ukraine with another military aid package, including ammunition, drones and armored vehicles. The German Defense Minister reaffirmed his stable support for Ukraine, regardless of changes in the government.
The Polish railroad has experienced serious traffic disruptions due to the weather, with 115 trains delayed or canceled. The biggest problems are observed on the Warsaw-Gdynia and Olsztyn-Elbląg routes due to icy conditions on the overhead lines.
In Germany, unidentified drones were spotted flying over a chemical park, an ammunition depot, and a military airfield. Police are investigating possible espionage in the context of Russian aggression.
The German Defense Minister announced that the next Ramstein meeting will be held in Brussels before the Munich conference. The future of the format will depend on the new US administration.
Estonia will provide Ukraine with another military aid package of 0. 25% of GDP in the first half of 2025. The Estonian Foreign Minister confirmed that support for the country continues to grow.
The President of Ukraine will take part in the World Economic Forum in Davos on January 21. The event will also be attended by Donald Trump, Ursula von der Leyen and other world leaders.
Ukrainian Defense Minister Umerov meets with his German counterpart Pistorius in Kyiv. Ukraine will receive 60 new missiles for the IRIS-T air defense system and discussed the supply of artillery shells.
Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tähkna said that Ukraine's full membership in the EU and NATO would ensure the stability of the whole of Europe. He emphasized the need for investment in Ukraine's defense industry and economy.
The President of Ukraine discussed with the German Defense Minister the importance of all political forces supporting Ukraine. Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine is defending not only itself but also European values.
The President of Ukraine reported on more than 100 brigades on the battlefield that need to update their military equipment on a daily basis. Zelenskyy emphasized the priority of technical equipment and training for the military.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said that the creation of a separate European defense alliance would require 8-10% of GDP and 15-20 years. Instead, he promised to deepen cooperation between NATO and the EU.
The Cabinet of Ministers has authorized foreign companies to modernize military equipment for the Armed Forces. The new rules establish clear terms of cooperation and apply to defense procurement contracts.
The German police have launched an investigation into possible Russian espionage after detecting drones over military facilities in Bavaria. The incidents were recorded in Manching and Neuburg an der Donau.
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius handed over the first RCH 155 wheeled howitzer to the Ambassador of Ukraine. By the end of the year, Ukraine will receive 5 more such systems, and a total of 54 howitzers are planned to be delivered.
The Flixbus bus overturned on the A11 motorway near the German-Polish border, two people were killed. Among the victims are citizens of Ukraine and Germany, four people suffered serious injuries.