German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul stated that the country cannot evacuate its citizens from the Middle East due to closed airspace. Thousands of Germans, including tourists and permanent residents, are in the region.
Iranian-German actress Elnaaz Norouzi stated that her family in Tehran was awaiting the death of Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. According to her, the family was ready for a strike after Trump's statement about aid.
The Embassy of Ukraine in Germany has confirmed the death of a Ukrainian woman in Berlin, with murder suspected. Police arrested a 46-year-old man, also a Ukrainian citizen, near the crime scene.
WADA is investigating the possible injection of hyaluronic acid into the genitals of Olympic ski jumpers for aerodynamic advantage. Experts warn of the risks of infection, disfigurement, and gangrene from such injections.
Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway has apologized to the King and the public for her contacts with Jeffrey Epstein. New documents indicate a longer period of communication than previously stated, which has caused outrage in Norway.
Marius Borg Høiby, son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit, has been arrested on new charges, including bodily harm and knife threats. In total, he is accused of 38 counts, including four rapes.
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.
According to Bild, the late financier Jeffrey Epstein may have brought women from Russia to the US for "honey traps" for politicians. The new "Epstein files" contain thousands of references related to Russia, including Putin's name.
Iran has officially declared the armed forces of European Union countries "terrorist groups. " This was in response to the EU's recognition of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organization.
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.
Germany is facing cold weather and polluted air from Eastern Europe. A meteorologist predicts further pollution due to winds from the east and southeast.
During a second Bundesliga match between "Magdeburg" and Dresden's "Dynamo", 64 police officers were injured. "Magdeburg" fans attacked law enforcement officers, using pyrotechnics and throwing various objects.
A poll showed that 61% of Germans perceive Trump as a threat to Germany. 52% advocate for a decisive German course towards the US president.
German military personnel left Greenland prematurely due to poor weather conditions. The visit, which was supposed to last until January 18, ended earlier, but cooperation with the Danish military was called successful.
A group of 15 Bundeswehr soldiers unexpectedly left Greenland earlier than planned. The reasons for their departure were not disclosed, but may be related to Trump's threats regarding the island.
Germany is urgently sending a Bundeswehr reconnaissance group to Greenland. This operation is Europe's response to US ambitions regarding the island.
The Bundeswehr has dismissed nine paratroopers, and initiated dismissal procedures against four others, due to accusations of sexual harassment, extremist views, and drug use. Investigations are ongoing, 26 individuals are considered suspects, and 17 soldiers have been temporarily suspended from duty.
Heavy snowfalls and extreme temperatures have led to flight cancellations, traffic jams, and school closures across Europe. The Netherlands, France, and the United Kingdom have been most affected, with five fatalities reported in France.
US President Donald Trump went to play golf in Palm Beach before meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni put more than 270 state gifts up for auction, including python skin shoes and an iPad from Zelenskyy. The total value of the lots is about 800,000 euros, and the sale is due to a law prohibiting keeping gifts worth more than 300 euros.
New cases of leprosy have been detected in Croatia and Romania, with Croatia's being an "imported case" in a worker from Nepal, and Romania's involving two confirmed and two suspected cases among massage parlor employees. Medical professionals assure that the disease is highly treatable with antibiotics, and there is no risk of widespread transmission.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Berlin refuses a unilateral withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from the Donetsk region. This comes against the backdrop of a 28-point US plan that envisages Ukraine's renunciation of NATO and new elections.
Expert Alexander Gabuev predicts the exhaustion of the Kremlin's economic resources in 12-18 months if sanctions are strengthened. He notes that time is working against Putin, and further sanctions could shorten this period.
Before that, the Russians systematically attacked railways only in eastern Ukraine. Now, railway stations throughout the country are under threat.
For the first time in NATO, Denmark has allowed the Ukrainian company Fire Point to establish rocket fuel production on its territory. The plant in Vojens, near Skrydstrup Air Base, is expected to start operations in 2026.
A woman from Bavaria unintentionally sent her cat by mail when the animal fell asleep in a box. A bakery employee heard meowing, which allowed the animal to be returned to its owner.
Erika Kirk is trying to dispel rumors of a romance with US Vice President JD Vance. She explained that her habit of hugging people is a "love language," and during a hug with Vance, he told her he was proud of her.
Despite the extension of temporary protection for Ukrainians in the EU until March 2027, Great Britain, Poland, and Germany have already announced restrictions on social assistance. UNHCR emphasizes the importance of supporting vulnerable groups and providing accessible information for refugees.
European states insist on correcting at least four provisions of the US peace plan for Ukraine, including those concerning territorial division, army reduction, and real security guarantees. Europeans are also concerned about the future of frozen Russian assets, from which the Russian president should not derive financial benefit.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz canceled a series of meetings on Friday for talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and US President Donald Trump. The talks concern the situation in Ukraine, including Trump's 28-point plan.
