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.
Germany has transferred nine out of eighteen planned IRIS-T systems to Ukraine, fulfilling the 2025 plan. These systems, which include launchers and TRML-4D radars, form the basis of Ukraine's modern layered defense.
The German armed forces are preparing for a worst-case scenario of a Russian attack on NATO in two to three years. Lieutenant General Funke does not rule out thousands of wounded daily and hybrid threats.
January 27 marks the International Holocaust Remembrance Day, which coincides with the anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp. This date commemorates the 6 million Jews and other groups exterminated by the Nazi regime.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy delivered a speech on January 27, International Holocaust Remembrance Day. He emphasized that the indifference of others contributed to the catastrophe, and the world united to defeat the Nazis.
Prosecutor General Ruslan Kravchenko met with representatives of the US Embassy, the US Department of Justice, and the FBI. They discussed combating cybercrime and cross-border crimes, as well as criminal proceedings involving victims from the United States.
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius stated that Berlin cannot supply Ukraine with additional Patriot air defense systems from its own stocks. Germany has already transferred more than a third of its own Patriot capabilities and is awaiting replacement of the transferred systems.
Ten Russian postal services, cooperating with operators from Germany and France, are part of a network through which sanctioned goods enter Russia. This was confirmed by Vladyslav Vlasiuk, the President of Ukraine's authorized representative for sanctions policy. Foreign components manufactured in 2024-2026 have been found in Russian Kh-101 missiles.
According to Nedzelskyi, Vynnyk actively supported the Ukrainian military, but the hate on social media and public pressure negatively affected the singer's physical condition.
German companies Rheinmetall and OHB are developing a satellite network for the Bundeswehr, which will become a European alternative to Starlink. The project will provide secure internet for the German army, reducing dependence on American technologies.
European leaders and industry representatives met in Hamburg to discuss cooperation in energy and security in the North Sea. The UK and Europe signed the Hamburg Declaration to implement large-scale offshore wind energy projects.
MHP became the first Ukrainian agricultural company to be an official partner of the World Economic Forum in Davos.
