Germany

Rheinmetall is building a new ammunition plant in Germany to ensure stable supplies to Ukraine. The plant will be built in record time over the next few months.

In preparation for a possible russian attack on NATO countries, European militaries are calling for simplified bureaucratic procedures to allow for the rapid movement of troops and equipment between allies.

Ukraine and Germany have made progress in discussions on a security guarantee agreement. President Zelenskyy believes that a "powerful agreement" will be signed soon.

On January 29, 1918, about 300 young Ukrainian defenders were killed near Kruty, stopping the Bolshevik offensive on Kyiv. Their sacrifice halted the offensive, allowing the Ukrainian government to sign the Brest Peace Treaty, which recognized Ukrainian statehood.

In 2024, Germany will spend more than 7 billion euros ($7. 6 billion) to help Ukraine. European allies should step up their support for Kyiv.

The French Prime Minister has promised additional measures to protect French farmers from unfair competition. This comes after farmers complained about income problems, regulation and environmental standards that put them at a disadvantage compared to foreign competitors.

A 66-year-old Ukrainian pensioner was detained at Munich airport with €455,000 in cash hidden in his luggage. The money was confiscated by authorities investigating possible money laundering.

Germany supports Ukraine's position on the suspension of russian and belarusian athletes from international sports competitions, including the Olympic Games.

An armed man has taken four people hostage in a Starbucks cafe in Ulm, Germany. Police detained the man as he tried to leave the cafe with the hostages, using a firearm. None of the hostages were injured.

German Chancellor Scholz will visit Washington in early February to meet with President Biden and discuss additional assistance to Ukraine. The U.S. has exhausted existing congressional authorizations for Ukraine aid and is seeking to join forces with Germany, Kyiv's main arms and aid supplier, to increase support.

Since the invasion, Taiwan has become the largest supplier of metalworking machines to Russia, delivering $29 million worth of equipment through Turkey, despite Taiwan's pro-Ukrainian stance. These machines are vital to Russia's military industry for the production of precision weapons, but sanctions do not restrict the export of most Taiwanese machines.