US President's Special Envoy Steve Witkoff reported significant progress in the peace process for Ukraine. Negotiations will continue, and the security protocol and prosperity framework are almost complete.
The European Union has blacklisted Russia over money laundering risks, which will complicate financial transactions with Russian banks. The EU is also preparing its 20th package of sanctions against Russia and is discussing a ban on former Russian military personnel entering the Schengen area.
EU High Representative Kaja Kallas stated that the world order is transforming, with Russia remaining the main threat. She emphasized the importance of European unity for security.
EU High Representative Kaja Kallas confirmed that Ukraine's future is linked to the EU, but enlargement is viewed geopolitically. She emphasized the need for political will and tangible results for new countries to join.
EU foreign ministers have agreed to designate Iran's IRGC as a terrorist organization. This move is a response to the repression and brutal crackdown on protesters.
Georgia does not plan to impose sanctions against Russia, said Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili. The appointment of Ukraine's ambassador will not affect the country's position on sanctions and sending troops.
Kaja Kallas stated that Russia is represented in negotiations by military personnel without a mandate for peace. She noted that the Russians are not serious about this and Russia should be pushed towards real negotiations.
EU diplomacy chief Kaja Kallas stated that Ukraine is making concessions for peace. She emphasized the need for more pressure on Russia and for providing Ukraine with tangible security guarantees, in which the US should be involved.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced improved relations with Venezuela, which removes the question of immediate use of force. The US is satisfied with the actions of the new government and is preparing to open an embassy.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania handed a diplomatic note to Belarus over another incident involving the use of balloons to smuggle contraband. The large-scale launch of objects led to the Vilnius airport being closed three times and disrupted the plans of over 1,700 passengers.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine summoned Hungarian Ambassador Antal Heizer over false statements about Ukraine's interference in the elections. The Ukrainian side called on Hungary to stop anti-Ukrainian rhetoric.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico denied a Politico report about his concerns over Donald Trump's condition. He called the article "a lie" and stated that he did not speak at the summit where he allegedly made such assessments.
The US plan to involve ICE officers in security for the Winter Olympics in Milan has drawn criticism from Italian officials. Milan Mayor Giuseppe Sala has spoken out against the presence of ICE representatives.
Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov discussed with his French counterpart Catherine Vautrin the strengthening of air defense, the supply of missiles, and Mirage 2000-5 aircraft. France will transfer additional domestically produced missiles and fighter jets.
A 35-year-old KGB spy from Belarus, who had been working for Belarusian special services since 2015, has been detained in Kyiv. She attempted to infiltrate one of the units of Ukrainian military intelligence.
The European Union and India have reached a free trade agreement that provides for a significant reduction in tariffs on cars and wine from the EU. This agreement is called the "mother of all deals."
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy has appointed Mykhailo Brodowich as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine to Georgia. Brodowich is a Ukrainian diplomat and an honorary doctor of the Precarpathian National University.
Ukrainian MP Maria Mezentseva has been appointed Vice-President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe. She thanked the Ukrainian delegation for the nomination and support.
Relations between European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas are worse than with her predecessor Josep Borrell. Kallas complains about von der Leyen's dictatorial methods; her position is weakened by her background and limited political power.
The Colombian president expressed optimism regarding upcoming talks with Donald Trump, scheduled for February 3, 2026. The meeting is expected to conclude a period of diplomatic crisis during which Washington revoked the Colombian leader's visa.
Nordic and Baltic countries condemned Russian energy terror against Ukraine, demanding an end to strikes on critical infrastructure. They emphasized that the destruction of the energy system violates international law and bears the hallmarks of war crimes.
The US constantly monitors the energy situation in Ukraine, takes into account urgent needs, and continues to provide humanitarian assistance. Projects to support the restoration of energy infrastructure are also ongoing.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, at a closed-door EU summit, urged European leaders not to confront Donald Trump, calling it a "bad idea. " She argued that Europe could lose everything in the event of a conflict with him.
Mykhailo Fedorov appointed Valeriia Ionan as his advisor on international projects. She worked at the Ministry of Digital Transformation, coordinating cooperation with Google, Cisco, Microsoft, and other companies.
President Zelenskyy expanded the delegation for trilateral talks in Abu Dhabi, including Umerov, Budanov, Arakhamia, and military personnel. The details of the negotiations will be discussed by phone, and the results will be reported to the Europeans.
The US has appointed Laura Dogu as Chargé d'Affaires to Venezuela following the seizure of power by Nicolás Maduro. This is the first step towards restoring an official presence in Caracas.
The European Union has allocated the first 10 million euros for the functioning of a special tribunal on Russia's crime of aggression against Ukraine. The chief EU diplomat, Kaja Kallas, stated that Russian leaders must be held accountable.
Russia's attacks on power substations in Ukraine threaten nuclear safety, ignoring IAEA warnings. This creates risks of power outages at Chornobyl and other nuclear power plants.
Three Ukrainian citizens, illegally detained in Venezuela, have been released. This was made possible thanks to the efforts of Ukrainian diplomats and the support of the United States and European partners.
U. S. Special Envoy Stephen Witkoff will meet with Putin in Moscow on January 22 to receive a response to the peace plan. This will be the seventh meeting; the previous six did not yield significant results.
