Germany
Mykhailo Fedorov held talks with the NATO Secretary General and the defense ministers of Britain and Germany. Key priorities for supporting Ukraine were discussed ahead of the "Ramstein" meeting.
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius announced that over 40,000 questionnaires have been sent to potential military personnel. The reform, which started on January 1, provides for mandatory completion of questionnaires for men and voluntary for women.
International sanctions and the outflow of technology have pushed Russia out of the global space race, while the US and China are preparing missions to the Moon. The Russian space industry is experiencing a crisis, cooperating only with individual countries in Asia and Africa.
The sale of LUKOIL International GmbH for $22 billion and the loss of Gazprom Germania by Gazprom indicate the degradation of Russia's international business. Sberbank and VTB also lost their European assets.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated that Ukraine remains at the center of the Alliance's security policy. Support for the Armed Forces continues daily, despite Russia's attempts to destroy the country.
In Kyiv, 63 teams are working on restoring power grids, and over 220 teams are restoring heat supply. NJSC "Naftogaz" is ready to provide another 40 teams of specialists.
Inna Bielen, the winner of "The Bachelor-13", and her fiancé were denied marriage registration due to problems with documents regarding a previous divorce. The couple planned to get married on the mirror date 02.20.2026, but are now considering getting married through "Diia".
In January, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held 20 meetings and 14 telephone conversations, visiting France, Cyprus, Switzerland, and Lithuania. Following these contacts, Ukraine received NASAMS air defense missiles from Norway, the 31st package of military aid from Finland, and significant energy support from other partners.
Five people have been detained in Germany on suspicion of organizing illegal supplies of industrial goods to Russia worth approximately 30 million euros. The investigation believes that the suspects used shell companies to circumvent EU sanctions.
German breweries sold 7. 8 billion liters of beer in 2025, 6% less than the previous year. This is the lowest figure since 1993, driven by changing lifestyles and consumers' reluctance to spend money.
Berlin is giving away free potatoes due to a record harvest. 174 distribution points are open throughout the city, two trucks were sent to Ukraine.
February 2nd marks Groundhog Day, where the animal's behavior determines the arrival of spring. This year, Timko the groundhog from Kharkiv region will predict spring remotely due to the security situation.
By 2026, Russia's energy revenues are projected to account for only 22% of its budget. The German government points to Russia's increasing economic difficulties and the depletion of its reserve fund.
Ukrainian Minister of Defense Mykhailo Fedorov met with NATO representatives to discuss defense assistance. Key cooperation priorities include strengthening air defense, developing Patriot, F-16s, and HIMARS, as well as joint work on technological superiority.
The German Football Association (DFB) has rejected a boycott of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico. The decision was made despite criticism of Donald Trump's foreign policy.
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius expressed skepticism about Putin's peaceful intentions, despite diplomatic efforts. He emphasized that massive shelling of Ukraine and attacks on infrastructure indicate the opposite.
Russian State Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin stated that the Russian parliamentary body demands a strike on Ukraine with 'retaliation weapons' starting next week. This phrasing was used by Hitler shortly before the capitulation of Nazi Germany in World War II.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz criticized the proposal for a joint European army's role in peacekeeping in Ukraine. He stated that these ideas are not immediate solutions to Europe's problems.
Forward of the Ukrainian youth national team Artem Stepanov has moved from German "Bayer 04" to Dutch "Utrecht" on loan with an option to buy. The 18-year-old striker will play under number 18.
In February 2026, five new films of various genres will be released in Ukrainian cinemas. Among them are the drama "Wuthering Heights", the thriller "Road to Crime", and a documentary about Elvis Presley.
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 next meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group will take place on February 12 at NATO headquarters. It will be hosted by Great Britain and Germany.
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 screening of the propaganda documentary "Carnets de Russie" has been canceled in Brussels. This happened after the Ukrainian side's reaction and the municipal authorities' consideration of the issues.
Friedrich Merz condemned Russian attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure during a conversation with Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Germany reaffirmed its support for winter aid and finding ways to a ceasefire.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held talks with German Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz. The discussion focused on further cooperation and joint work between the states and partners in Europe next week.
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.
Friedrich Merz stated that Ukraine will not be able to join the EU by 2027, as the integration process requires compliance with strict standards. He emphasized the unreality of rapid accession.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz expressed concern over the falling dollar exchange rate, which puts pressure on European exporters. He called on the EU to increase competitiveness amid the weakening American currency.