Romania

Sales of US military equipment to foreign governments in 2024 increased by 29% to $318. 7 billion. The growth in exports is attributed to demand from Ukraine and the need for countries to replenish their weapons stockpiles.

In Bukovyna, a criminal group headed by a deputy was exposed that smuggled men to Romania bypassing the border. According to the investigation, the cost of the service was from $4000 per person.

Two German Patriot air defense systems are deployed to protect the Jasionka airport in Rzeszow for 6 months. Up to 95% of the aid for Ukraine passes through this logistics hub.

Police detained two residents of Rakhiv district who organized the illegal transportation of conscripts across the Tisa River. The suspects face up to 9 years in prison.

NATO's Steadfast Dart 25 exercise begins in Romania. Starting January 22, the country will receive British military equipment, and in early February - French.

Yemeni Houthi rebels released 25 crew members of the Galaxy Leader, including Ukrainians. The release was mediated by Oman as part of a ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip.

Turkey's President is ready to negotiate on the transit of Russian gas to Slovakia through the Turkish Stream. Slovak Prime Minister Fico plans to send the Minister of Economy to Turkey for further talks.

Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsakhna called on Europe to consider banning TikTok following the example of the United States. According to him, the app is used for disinformation and data collection, which poses a security threat.

The first meeting in the Ukraine-Southeast Europe format was held in Kyiv with the participation of foreign ministers from 9 countries. They discussed defense, demining and support for Ukraine on its way to the EU.

NABU detective Timur Arshavin, who had access to state secrets and Russian connections, illegally crossed the border into Romania. Before his escape, he had credit problems, but suddenly received millions in his accounts.

The first ministerial meeting between Ukraine and Southeast Europe was held in Kyiv, where a joint communiqué was adopted. The document reaffirms support for Ukraine and calls for strengthening the region's energy security.

On January 17, Russian drones violated Romanian airspace during an attack on Ukraine. The Romanian military raised F-16 fighters and found traces of a drone crash near the city of Plaura.

At night, Russia launched a massive attack on Ukraine, using 50 drones and 2 Iskander-M missiles. Air defense systems shot down 33 drones, and a number of them hit businesses in Odesa region.

The President of Ukraine said that most Western countries do not want to recognize the possibility of further Russian aggression after Ukraine. According to him, this is the main mistake that prevents them from strengthening their support for Ukraine.

The President of Ukraine said that without the Ukrainian army, EU troops would have no chance against Russia. Zelenskyy called on Europe to triple its weapons production and warned of a threat to neighboring countries.

Since the beginning of 2024, the State Border Guard Service has reported 59,000 refusals to cross the border, mostly to men aged 18-60. Most violations are recorded on the border with Romania and Moldova, and there has been a decrease in illegal crossing attempts.

Mass protests were held in Bucharest against the Constitutional Court's decision to cancel the 2024 presidential election. The action was organized by the AUR party, and several people were injured during the 10-hour rally.

Cyprus plans to finalize all technical issues to join the Schengen area by the end of 2025. The country's president announced the expected benefits for tourism and investment, but experts warn of possible complications due to the island's divided status.

Romania will hold repeat presidential elections on May 4 and 18 after the results of the previous vote were annulled. Ultranationalist Kelin Georgescu, who won thanks to a TikTok campaign, may once again become a favorite.

Vehicular traffic at the Solotvyno-Sighetu-Marmaciei checkpoint will be restricted from January 10 to February 28, 2025. The restrictions will be in effect daily from 9:00 to 15:30, and pedestrians will be able to cross the border without obstacles.

President of Ukraine had a conversation with Maia Sandu on energy challenges in Moldova. Ukraine is ready to provide assistance with coal to overcome the energy crisis and counter Russian pressure.

A 12-year-old boy from Kyiv died at a ski resort in the Lviv region. The child suffered a fatal head injury after falling while skiing.

A resident of Chernivtsi district was sentenced to 7 years in prison for attempting to smuggle three conscripts to Moldova. The men were found in the luggage compartment of a minibus while trying to cross the border.

Eight Nordic countries have announced their intention to increase assistance to Moldova after the suspension of Russian gas supplies on January 1, 2025. The NB8 countries praised the Moldovan authorities for their efforts to ensure energy stability.

Due to the cessation of Russian gas supplies, the energy deficit in Transnistria reached 30%. Moldova offered Tiraspol alternative options for purchasing gas, but received no response.

The National Agency of Moldova has approved new utility tariffs. The cost of heat will increase to 2,510 lei per gigacalorie, and electricity will rise by 65-75%.

State-owned Energocom has purchased electricity from Ukraine to cover the deficit as of January 2. Additionally, an agreement was signed with Energoatom to supply energy at night.

Moldova was granted the right to increase its electricity import quota from the EU from 315 MW to 600 MW. This is possible provided that the electricity is not used by other importers.

After the termination of Russian gas transit through Ukraine, Transnistria was left without supplies and Moldova switched to alternative energy sources. The Right Bank receives 52% of its electricity from Romania and 45% from local sources.

The Moldovan TPP in Transnistria has stopped supplying electricity to the right bank of the Dniester and switched to coal fuel. Stocks of Donetsk coal will be sufficient for 50 days to meet the humanitarian needs of the region.