Germany
Poland activated its and allied air forces, as well as ground-based air defense systems, due to Russia's night attack on Ukraine. Military aircraft operations have ceased, and no violations of Polish airspace have been detected.
President Zelenskyy met with U4U MEPs. They discussed the restoration of Ukraine's energy system and the scaling up of the PURL program.
Spanish police have confirmed the arrest of a Ukrainian national in Germany, suspected of murdering Andriy Portnov in Madrid in May 2025. This was the result of a joint operation with German law enforcement.
Spanish police have arrested a Ukrainian national in Germany, suspected of murdering Andriy Portnov near a school in Madrid in May 2025. Portnov was shot in the back as he was getting into his car after dropping his daughters off at school.
The head of state noted that the issue of supplying Patriot missiles was discussed with several partner countries.
Friedrich Merz arrived in Beijing for a two-day visit, where he will discuss fair economic conditions for German companies and China's assistance in ending the Russian-Ukrainian war. He emphasized the importance of the European context of Germany's policy towards China.
A cybercrime of over UAH 127 million is being investigated in Ukraine due to interference with enterprises' "Client-Bank" system. A person hiding abroad has been served with a notice of suspicion.
G7 leaders reaffirmed their support for Ukraine and Trump's peace efforts. They also welcomed assistance to Ukraine for getting through the winter.
Germany is increasing its support for Ukraine, raising military aid to 11. 5 billion euros by 2026. The EU is also working on a 90 billion euro loan mechanism for Ukraine.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced his readiness to meet with Putin. He also emphasized the importance of pressure from the US and Europe on Putin to end the war.
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius criticized Donald Trump's approach to Russia's war against Ukraine. He stated that Trump's actions could have strengthened Putin's confidence and complicated negotiations.
Naftogaz Group has for the first time secured the supply of liquefied natural gas from the USA through the Deutsche ReGas LNG terminal in Germany. After regasification, the gas will be delivered to Ukraine to meet the country's needs in February.
Budapest justified its decision to block the €90 billion EU loan to Ukraine. This caused disappointment among EU foreign ministers.
In two months of Defence City's special regime operation, only one company has received resident status. Expert Ihor Garbaruk believes that the problem lies in the lack of a systemic approach by the state and the need to refine legislation.
Nazar Chepurnyi won a gold medal at the Artistic Gymnastics World Cup in Cottbus. He won the vault final with 14.716 points.
The German CDU/CSU bloc proposes introducing mandatory age verification for teenagers on social media. This is intended to protect their mental health from the negative influence of online platforms.
Friedrich Merz was re-elected as the leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) in Stuttgart, receiving 91. 17% of the votes. The vote took place on February 20, but due to technical glitches and a second round, the results were announced late.
Paramount has completed the waiting period for the review of its $108. 4 billion bid to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery. This removes regulatory barriers in the US, but the companies still need to overcome resistance from Warner Bros. management.
Friedrich Merz confirmed unwavering support for Ukraine and condemned the criminal Russian regime. He called for a new European security strategy based on realism.
In January 2026, Georgia exported 4. 1 million liters of wine, which is 3.3% less than in January 2025. Export revenues fell to $12.1 million, while sales to Russia increased to $8 million.
The European Commission has approved a new trusteeship structure, granting Berlin long-term control over Rosneft's German assets. This will ensure Germany's energy security.
Audi Sport unveiled the plug-in hybrid RS5 with a 2. 9-liter V6 and an electric motor, producing a combined 630 hp. The car accelerates to 100 km/h in 3.6 seconds, but its weight has increased to 2370 kg.
Ukraine has agreed to attract over 600 million euros in financial and technical assistance for the restoration of its energy sector. The country will also receive equipment from at least six decommissioned European combined heat and power plants (CHPPs) and thermal power plants (TPPs).
Chinese drone exports to Russia are being carried out via Thailand. The volume of drone supplies from Thailand to Russia has sharply increased since 2022.
In 2025, Ukraine significantly reduced raspberry production and exports, leading to no surplus for export. Exports of frozen raspberries decreased by 30% compared to 2024, with Poland remaining the main destination.
Ukraine could export military goods and services worth "several billion dollars" this year. The possibility of introducing a tax on these exports is being considered.
Relations between the US and Iran are escalating over Tehran's nuclear program, threatening a major war in the Middle East. Ukraine is interested in peace to avoid rising oil prices and the strengthening of the Russian Federation.
US intelligence may have known about the preparations for blowing up the Nord Stream gas pipelines at an early stage of planning. A Ukrainian team allegedly shared its intentions with the CIA, which initially did not object, and then tried to avert the attack.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has warned the US against igniting a tariff war and expressed hope for a partnership with China. He plans to discuss this issue with Donald Trump in Washington and with Chinese leaders during a visit to China.
The German Chancellor believes that the war will end when one of the two sides is exhausted - either militarily or economically.