British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has begun a visit to China to reset economic relations. This is the first visit of a British head of government to the PRC in eight years.
China provides Russia with machine tools and electronic components for the creation of nuclear hypersonic missiles, which are produced at the Votkinsk Plant. This allows Russia to circumvent Western sanctions and accelerate arms production.
Ukraine's GUR exposed 66 ships of the "shadow fleet" of Russia, Iran, and Venezuela that transport sanctioned oil. Among them are tankers associated with Cymare Shipmanagement Ltd and Cymare Navigation FZC, which provide Russia with petrodollars.
A Spanish rescue vessel escorted the Chariot Tide tanker, which is under EU sanctions for carrying Russian oil, to the port of Tanger-Med in Morocco. The ship's engine had broken down, and it was drifting in international waters.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has begun a three-day visit to China to bring bilateral relations out of a "deep freeze" and open up new opportunities for British exports. This is the first visit by a British head of government to the PRC in eight years.
The volume of Russian crude oil on tankers at sea has increased by 60 million barrels since late August due to reduced purchases by India. Russia is seeking alternative markets and using storage in Southeast Asia.
US President Donald Trump stated that very good things are happening between Ukraine and Russia. He also discussed the war in Ukraine with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Keir Starmer discussed energy support for Ukraine and strengthening air defense. The leaders emphasized the need to increase pressure on Russia and unite international efforts to end the war.
Pornhub will restrict access to its website in the UK from February 2 due to the requirements of the online safety law regarding mandatory age verification for users.
In December, electric vehicle sales in the European Union for the first time outpaced gasoline cars, despite proposals to relax emissions standards. Overall car sales are growing for the sixth consecutive month.
The French National Assembly has approved a bill banning social media use for children under 15. This decision is driven by concerns about online bullying and mental health risks.
France opposes simplifying rules for Ukraine to purchase British Storm Shadow missiles, insisting on using EU funds exclusively within the bloc. Paris seeks EU strategic autonomy, which causes internal contradictions.
Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov stated that housing programs should become the engines of Ukraine's recovery, and their implementation should begin now. Accessibility for people and long-term loans at low interest rates are key conditions.
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.
In 2026, Ukraine ranked 20th in the global military power rating among 145 countries, according to Global Firepower. The rating takes into account over 60 indicators, including army size and economic potential.
The UK Met Office has issued yellow warnings for heavy rain expected on Monday and Tuesday. Torrential downpours could cause transport disruptions, flooding, and power outages.
The UK government has announced the creation of a National Police Service, which will combine crime fighting, counter-terrorism, and road policing. This reform, dubbed the largest since 1829, aims to combat crime more effectively.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and US President Donald Trump held talks, discussing the war in Ukraine and security in the Arctic. The leaders agreed on the need for a lasting ceasefire and support for Ukraine.
International partners at the G7+ "Energy Ramstein" meeting confirmed their readiness to continue supporting Ukraine. Countries will provide over $400 million, almost €23 million, €23 million, €60 million, €10 million, and other aid packages.
On February 11, a summit of Western Hemisphere military leaders will take place in Washington, chaired by General Dan Caine. The goal is to create a united front against terrorist organizations and drug cartels that are destabilizing the region.
Beijing demonstrated restraint at the World Economic Forum, contrasting with Washington's aggressive rhetoric. China aims to become a predictable partner for the EU, attracting Western investment and benefiting from the cooling relations between the US and the European Union.
Donald Trump provoked international criticism by questioning the contributions of NATO allies in Afghanistan. British politicians and families of fallen soldiers called his comments offensive.
The oil tanker "Progress," carrying over 700,000 barrels of Urals crude, is drifting off the coast of Algeria after losing control. The LR2-class vessel, which was en route to the Suez Canal, suddenly changed course and lost speed.
42 sanctioned Russian tankers passed through the English Channel after the UK received legal assurances regarding their detention. Among them were the tankers Sofos and "Nasledie", which were sanctioned by the UK Foreign Office in May 2025.
Proposals are being discussed to increase NATO's presence in the Arctic and grant the US sovereign claims to specific areas of Greenland. This would limit Russia's and China's access to mineral extraction on the island.
The Royal Navy of Great Britain monitored Russian vessels in the English Channel as part of a two-day NATO operation. Two patrol ships intercepted the Russian warship "Boykiy" and the tanker MT General Skobelev.
The expert explained the record low level of trust in Poroshenko, Arestovych and Boyko.
Donald Trump proposed involving NATO troops to guard the US border with Mexico, citing Article 5. He also criticized European allies for insufficient contributions to the Alliance.
The United States and Norway have begun deploying troops for the "Cold Response 26" exercise in the High North. Approximately 3,000 U.S. Marines are arriving in January to train in extreme winter conditions before the active phase of the maneuvers in March 2026.
President Zelenskyy held a meeting in Davos on Ukraine's recovery, discussing ways to overcome challenges in energy and increase investment. He emphasized the importance of security guarantees for investment and business.
