Germany
The US special operation in Caracas and the detention of Nicolás Maduro caused a resonant reaction from world leaders. The international community was divided in its assessment of the legality of Washington's actions, from full support to harsh condemnation.
National security advisers from European countries have arrived in Kyiv. They will hold consultations on security and economic issues, and coordinate further steps with partners.
The German CSU party proposes sending men fit for military service back to Ukraine. It is also proposed to use refugees' personal funds and assets to cover their living expenses.
The International Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation has canceled the Skeleton World Cup stage in Winterberg, Germany. The reason was unfavorable weather conditions.
In December, new Tesla car registrations fell by two-thirds in France and Sweden. At the same time, sales in Norway increased by 89%, setting a new annual record.
Law enforcement officers have dismantled an international cocaine supply channel to Ukraine, organized by a group of citizens from Ukraine, Armenia, the Czech Republic, and Germany. The organizer, who had previously served a sentence for drug offenses in the US, planned to import up to 2 kg of cocaine weekly, with the value of a single shipment exceeding $200,000.
On January 1, Ukraine celebrated the 117th anniversary of the birth of OUN leader Stepan Bandera. Ceremonies took place in cities in the west, south and east of the country.
From January 1, 2026, the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine will begin a new stage of defense procurement reform, where all procurements for the Defense Forces will be carried out by a single Defense Procurement Agency. This reform, which has been ongoing since 2023, has already shown effectiveness thanks to digitalization and the DOT-Chain system.
Ukraine has strengthened its air defense by receiving two more Patriot systems thanks to agreements with Germany. These systems are capable of destroying aircraft, cruise and ballistic missiles, including hypersonic ones, at a distance of up to 160 km and an altitude of up to 24 km.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated that the war in Ukraine is part of Russia's plan against the whole of Europe, directly threatening Germany's freedom and security. He emphasized that Germany is subjected to sabotage, espionage, and cyberattacks from Russia every day.
The US held a productive discussion with national security advisors from the UK, France, Germany, and Ukraine. The next steps in the peace process and security guarantees for Ukraine were discussed.
Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council Rustem Umerov reported to President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy on the results of telephone conversations with American and European partners. Positions were coordinated and further meetings were planned for January, including a meeting on January 3 with the participation of more than 10 countries and international organizations.
On January 19, the French parliament will consider a bill on strict restrictions on the use of digital technologies by minors. The initiative proposes to ban access to social networks for children under 15 and to extend the ban on mobile phones to high schools.
According to Morgan Stanley's forecast, European banks could cut 10% of their staff due to AI by 2030, with 212,000 jobs at risk. This applies to back-office, risk management, and compliance roles to increase efficiency by 30%.
Since PURL was launched in August, 24 countries have joined it, and the total amount of contributions is $4. 3 billion. This allows for the purchase of American weapons, including missiles for Patriots, and strengthening Ukraine's defense.
The Danish postal service PostNord has stopped delivering letters due to a sharp decline in their use. The number of letters sent by mail in the country has decreased by more than 90 percent since 2000.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated that the Russian-Ukrainian war is part of the Kremlin's plan against other European countries. He emphasized that this aggression directly threatens the freedom and security not only of Germany but of all of Europe.
The German government shares Ukraine's concern that Russia's claims of an alleged drone attack on the president's residence could be used for escalation. President Zelenskyy rejected the accusations, and the Kremlin threatens to strengthen its negotiating position.
Approximately 30 million euros in cash, gold, and valuables were stolen from a Sparkasse bank branch in Gelsenkirchen. The perpetrators broke into 3200 safes after gaining entry through an adjacent parking lot and breaching a wall.
Ursula von der Leyen held talks with European leaders on support, security and reconstruction of Ukraine, emphasizing the importance of the country's accession to the EU.
German military equipment exports in 2025 decreased to 8. 4 billion euros, significantly lower than in the previous two years. The reason was a reduction in arms supplies to Ukraine to 1.14 billion euros.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a conversation with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. The results of the meeting with President Trump and the Russian fake, which is trying to disrupt diplomacy, were discussed.
The President of Finland reported on negotiations in the US involving Zelenskyy, Trump, and other European leaders, including Macron and von der Leyen. The discussions lasted over an hour, focusing on concrete steps to end the war and achieve lasting peace.
After talks with Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Donald Trump named the European leaders with whom they communicated. He also recognized the war in Ukraine as the largest since World War II.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will meet with US President Donald Trump today at 8:00 PM. Approximately at 9:00 PM, Zelenskyy and Trump will hold a phone conversation with European leaders.
Great Britain and Germany have signed a joint contract worth £52 million for the acquisition of advanced RCH 155 artillery, capable of firing on the move and hitting targets at a distance of over 70 km. The agreement provides for an early demonstration model for the British Army and two units for testing by Germany.
Why Keir Starmer was not present during Zelenskyy's phone call with European leaders, The Telegraph found out.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held talks with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen. The main topics were preparations for a meeting with US President Donald Trump and the negotiation process for peace in Europe.
Scientists have found a link between the level of theobromine in the blood and molecular markers of longevity. High concentrations of theobromine correlate with a slowdown in cell aging.
Ukraine has committed to reviewing the procedure for selecting the Prosecutor General in accordance with European practices, but this does not entail a competition. In economically developed European countries, the Prosecutor General is appointed by the government or the president.