Germany is preparing for Russia to attack Nato within the next two to three years, according to one of the country’s top military officials.
Lieutenant General Gerald Funke, head of the German armed forces support command, told The Times that he is preparing German troops for a full-scale war of aggression by Russia and has rallied thousands of troops to prepare for the worst-case scenario that could take place within the next 24 to 36 months.
European countries across the continent have been ramping up military preparations after a series of political and economic uncertainties over recent years, with several experts warning that the UK and other countries in Europe could be woefully unprepared.
“What worries me … at the moment is the hybrid side, the covert side: sabotage, sleeper cells, some kind of targeted attacks,” said Funke. “I can’t rule out the use of long-range missiles. But I think the hybrid threat is very high.”
Nato secretary general Mark Rutte said that the US-led peace talks were ongoing, adding that the aim should be to get to a peace deal or a long-term ceasefire.
Key Points
- US forcing Ukraine to cede Donbas - report
- Breaking: Russia says it captured more Ukrainian territory
- Russia claims it seized 500sqkm land from Ukraine
- Nato boss warns Ukraine facing 'harshest winter' in over a decade
- Russian drone attack kills civilian in Belgorod
- Nato boss says Putin would 'love' to see a new European security alliance
China calls for closer ties with Russia over defence
11:40 , Maira ButtChina’s defence minister has said he is willing to enhance strategic coordination with Moscow to jointly improve their capacity to respond to risks and challenges, according to Chinese state news agency Xinhua.
“China is willing to work with Russia to earnestly implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, strengthen strategic coordination, enrich the substance of cooperation, and improve exchange mechanisms,” defence minister for China, Dong Jung said in a video call with Russian defence minister Andrei Belousov.
Russian strikes leave 80 per cent of Kharkiv without power
11:15 , Maira ButtHundreds of thousands of Ukrainians have been left without power in Kharkiv after Russian strikes caused serious damage to the region’s energy system.
Two people were injured in the attacks, and a school, nursery and apartment buildings were also hit.
“Our energy system came under attack and there was quite serious damage,” Kharkiv's regional governor Oleh Syniehubov said in a video posted on Telegram on Tuesday.
“All crews are at work to eliminate all the negative consequences quickly. About 80 per cent of the city of Kharkiv and Kharkiv region are without electricity.”
The city is Ukraine’s second-largest and temperatures have plummeted to -14C in one of the country’s coldest winters on record.
Last week, over 800,000 people in the country’s capital Kyiv were left without power.
Slovakia to file lawsuit against EU ban on Russian gas imports
10:50 , Maira ButtSlovakia will file a lawsuit challenging the European Union’s ban on Russian gas imports, after the policy won final approval on Monday.
European countries agreed to completely ban the imports by late 2027, but Slovakia and Hungary both voted against. Russian gas imports make up 90 percent of Hungary’s imports in the sector.
Prime Minister of Slovakia, Robert Fico, is reported to have confirmed the news of the lawsuit, according to news website Dennik N.
Russian attack damages energy facility in Ukraine
10:22 , Maira ButtA Russian attack has damaged an energy facility in the southern city of Odesa in Ukraine, the country’s major Black Sea port.
“The damage is extensive and repair work will take a long time to restore the equipment to working order," DTEK, a major power company in the country said on Facebook.
"Our teams began emergency restoration work after receiving permission from rescue workers and the military. Specialists are inspecting the equipment, clearing debris, and then beginning repairs."
Watch: Firefighters battle blaze after Russian shelling hits Kherson building
09:42 , Maira ButUkraine to receive 85 million euros through EBRD for gas
09:05 , Maira ButtThe European Bank for Reconstruction and Development will provide Ukraine with 85 million euros (£73m) for additional gas volumes, Ukraine’s energy minister said on Tuesday.
In a statement on X/Twitter, Denys Shmyhal said that the funds would be provided through EBRD instruments and added that securing the relevant grant from one of the European countries was nearly complete.
Russia’s desperate recruitment drive as Putin frees prisoners and lures foreigners to war
08:40 , Maira ButtFor average wage earners in Russia, it's a big payday. For criminals seeking to escape the harsh conditions and abuse in prison, it's a chance at freedom. For immigrants hoping for a better life, it's a simplified path to citizenship.
All they have to do is sign a contract to fight in Ukraine.
This desperate recruitment drive is part of Moscow's strategy to replenish its forces in the nearly four-year conflict, while simultaneously avoiding an unpopular nationwide mobilisation. The bloody war of attrition has also seen foreign combatants join the fray. Following a mutual defence treaty in 2024, North Korea reportedly sent thousands of soldiers to help Russia defend its Kursk region against a Ukrainian incursion.
Russia’s war recruitment drive as Putin frees prisoners and lures foreigners
Russia attacks infrastructure facility in Ukraine, says regional governor
08:15 , Maira ButtRussia has attacked an infrastructure facility in the region of Lviv, in western Ukraine, according to the area’s governor.
Regional governor Maksym Kozytskyi said no one had been hurt in the attack and that all the relevant services were working at the scene of the incident, in a post on Telegram on Tuesday.
He did not specify the type of infrastructure that was targeted. The countries have attacked each other’s energy infrastructure throughout the war.
Russian attacks on Ukraine’s infrastructure have been so persistent, President Volodymyr Zelensky was forced to declare a state of emergency in the sector earlier this month.
Putin's envoy says Ukraine's withdrawal from Donbas is the 'path to peace'
07:50 , Maira ButtPresident Vladimir Putin’s special envoy Kirill Dmitriev has said that Ukraine’s withdrawal from the Donbas region is the solution to the conflict raging between Russia and Ukraine.
Dmitriev, who has been part of high-stakes negotiations being held between the US, Russia and Ukraine, said on Tuesday: “Donbas withdrawal is the path to peace for Ukraine,” in a statement on X/Twitter.
Russia currently controls 90 per cent of the region and Putin has insisted on Ukraine surrendering the rest of it or Russia will take the region by force.
Russia offers cash bonuses, frees prisoners and lures foreigners to replenish its troops in Ukraine
07:30 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarFor average wage earners in Russia, it's a big payday. For criminals seeking to escape the harsh conditions and abuse in prison, it's a chance at freedom. For immigrants hoping for a better life, it's a simplified path to citizenship.
All they have to do is sign a contract to fight in Ukraine.
As Russia seeks to replenish its forces in nearly four years of war — and avoid an unpopular nationwide mobilization — it's pulling out all the stops to find new troops to send into the battlefield.
Some come from abroad to fight in what has become a bloody war of attrition. After signing a mutual defense treaty with Moscow in 2024, North Korea sent thousands of soldiers to help Russia defend its Kursk region from a Ukrainian incursion.
More here.
Russia offers cash bonuses, frees prisoners and lures foreigners to replenish its troops in Ukraine
Philippines investigating claims its national died fighting for Russia
07:15 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarAuthorities in the Philippines said they were verifying reports of a Filipino national said to have died on the front lines fighting for Russia.
Ukraine’s military intelligence yesterday claimed that a Filipino national, identified as John Patrick, was killed fighting for Russian forces in the Donetsk region.
The man had served in Russia’s 9th Battalion, 283rd Regiment, 144th Motorized Rifle Division in the 20th Combined Arms Army of the Russian military, Ukraine claimed.
Moscow says peace talks with Ukraine held in 'constructive spirit'
07:00 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarThe Kremlin said US-brokered trilateral talks between Russian and Ukrainian negotiators held in the Middle East had been held in a “constructive spirit” but there was still “significant work ahead"
.“It would be a mistake to expect any significant results from the initial contacts... But the very fact that these contacts have begun in a constructive spirit can be viewed positively. However, there is significant work ahead,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said yesterday.
Negotiators from Moscow and Kyiv faced each other for the firs time since the onset of the invasion in 20222 to talk about a peace plan being pushed by US president Donald Trump.
“I wouldn’t say there was any friendliness there, it’s hardly possible at this stage,” Peskov said.
“But if you’re trying to achieve something through negotiations, you need to speak constructively,” he added.
The next round of trilateral talks is expected to take place on 1 February.
US forcing Ukraine to cede Donbas - report
06:40 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarThe Donald Trump administration has signalled to Ukraine that US security guarantees would depend on Kyiv first agreeing to a peace deal likely requiring it to cede the Donbas to Russia, the Financial Times reported.
Washington has also indicated it could offer Ukraine more weapons to strengthen its peacetime army if Kyiv agreed to withdraw forces from the parts of the eastern region it controls, the newspaper said.
Russian ally accuses Ukraine of election meddling
06:20 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarPrime minister Viktor Orban said Hungary would summon Ukraine's ambassador over what he claimed were attempts to interfere in a Hungarian parliamentary election due on 12 April.
Orban has intensified his anti-Ukraine campaign in the past weeks, and has sought to associate Hungarian opposition leader Peter Magyar with Kyiv and the EU executive in Brussels as the campaign heats up.
In a campaign primarily targeting rural voters, Orban has portrayed Ukraine as unworthy of financial support, framing the April vote as a choice between war and peace and echoing his past anti-migrant campaigns.
Orban, who has kept close ties with Moscow, has repeatedly refused to support European Union aid for Ukraine, and has launched a "national petition" asking voters to sign up to say they do not want to help pay for the war."
Last week, Ukrainian leaders and even the president himself made grossly insulting and threatening statements against Hungary ... Our national security services have ... concluded this is a coordinated attempt to interfere in Hungarian elections," Orban said in a video.
Watch: Firefighters battle blaze after Russian shelling hits Kherson building
06:02 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarFinland tackles undersea cable sabotage amid Russian threat
06:00 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarFinland is set to establish a new maritime surveillance centre in the Gulf of Finland, a move aimed at protecting critical undersea infrastructure amidst heightened regional tensions.
The initiative, announced by Finland's Border Guard, will involve cooperation with other Baltic Sea states and the European Commission.
This development comes as the Baltic Sea region remains on high alert following a series of incidents involving power cables, telecommunications links, and gas pipelines since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
More here.
Watch: Nato chief warns Ukraine faces 'harshest winter' as Russia targets energy grid
05:50 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarRussia claims it seized 500sqkm land from Ukraine
05:45 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarRussian forces captured 17 settlements and took control of more than 500sqkm territory in Ukraine so far in January, Russia's top general, Valery Gerasimov, said this morning.
Gerasimov, chief of Russia's general staff, inspected the "West" group of Russian forces fighting in Ukraine, the defence ministry said.
There has been no immediate confirmation or denial from Ukraine.
Slovakia and Hungary to move court against EU's Russian gas import ban
05:30 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarEU nations have given their final approval to ban Russian gas imports by late 2027, making their vow to cut ties with their former top supplier legally binding, nearly four years after Moscow's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Ministers from EU countries approved the law at a meeting in Brussels on Monday, although Slovakia and Hungary voted against and Bulgaria abstained.
Hungary said it would challenge the law at the European Court of Justice. Slovakia’s foreign ministry also announced it would appeal the decision at the EU Court.
The ban was designed to be approved by a reinforced majority of countries, allowing it to overcome opposition from Hungary and Slovakia, who remain heavily reliant on Russian energy imports and want to maintain close ties with Moscow.
Under the agreement, the EU will halt Russian liquefied natural gas imports by the end of 2026 and pipeline gas by 30 September 2027.
The law allows that deadline to shift to 1 November 2027, at the latest, if a country is struggling to fill its storage caverns with non-Russian gas ahead of winter.
Russia supplied more than 40 per cent of the EU's gas before 2022. That share dropped to around 13 per cent in 2025, according to the latest available EU data.
Breaking: Russia says it captured more Ukrainian territory
05:17 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarRussia claims its forces have captured two more settlements in eastern Ukraine, identifying them as Kupiansk-Vuzlovyi and Novopavlivka.
The defence ministry this morning added that Vladimir Putin's troops have captured 17 settlements in Ukraine since the beginning of January this year.
There has been no immediate confirmation or denial from Ukraine.
Nato boss says Putin would 'love' to see a new European security alliance
05:00 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarNato chief Mark Rutte has dismissed calls by some leading European politicians for a separate European army, prompted by doubts over Donald Trump's commitment to the continent's security that were heightened by tensions over Greenland.
Rutte told advocates of a European force separate from the US-led Nato alliance to "keep dreaming", and said Russian president Vladimir Putin would "love" the idea as it would stretch Europe's armies and make them weaker.
Speaking to the European Parliament in Brussels, Rutte said European nations should continue to step up to take more responsibility for their own security, as Trump has demanded - but within the transatlantic alliance.
Spanish foreign minister Jose Manuel Albares and European Defence commissioner Andrius Kubilius have both raised the prospect of a European force in recent weeks.
"I think there will be a lot of duplication and I wish you luck if you want to do it, because you have to find the men and women in uniform - they'll be on top of what is happening already," Rutte said.
"It will make things more complicated. I think Putin will love it. So think again."
Nato boss warns Ukraine facing 'harshest winter' in over a decade
04:31 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarNato secretary general Mark Rutte has warned that Ukraine is facing its “harshest winter” in over a decade as sustained Russian airstrikes disrupt its energy grid
“Russia is targeting civilian infrastructures and therefore leaving Ukrainians in the cold — without heat, without light and without water,” he said, urging the European parliament to be flexible on the use of EU funds.
Rutte says that the US-led peace talks were ongoing, adding that the aim should be to get to a peace deal or a long-term ceasefire. He said: “Let’s pray we have it as soon as possible,” and then make sure that Russia’s Vladimir Putin “never, never” attacks Ukraine again.
Russian drone attack kills civilian in Belgorod
04:30 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarAt least one civilian has been killed in a Russian drone attack in Shebekino, a city in Belgorod Oblast, local officials said.
The man, who was not named, died of his injuries at the scene before the ambulance arrived, governor Vyacheslav Gladkov said on Telegram yesterday.
He added: "On behalf of all residents of the Belgorod Region and myself, I offer my sincere condolences to the family and friends of the deceased."
In pics: Power outage across Kyiv
04:00 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar
Russian attack on Ukraine's Kharkiv causes mass power outages
03:30 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarRussian drones and missiles have hit Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-largest city, knocking out power to 80 per cent of the city and the surrounding region and striking apartment buildings, a school and a kindergarten, local officials said.
Two people were injured, regional governor Oleh Syniehubov said yesterday.
"Our energy system came under attack and there was quite serious damage. All crews are at work to eliminate all the negative consequences quickly," Syniehubov said.
"About 80 per cent of the city of Kharkiv and the Kharkiv region is without electricity," he added.
The constant threat of further air raids was complicating repair efforts, he said.
Russian drones strike high-rise in Zelensky's hometown
03:06 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarRussian drones yesterday struck a high-rise apartment building president Volodymyr Zelensky’s hometown southeast of Kharkiv.
Oleksandr Vilkul, the head of the city’s military administration, said the drone strike in Kryvyi Rih triggered a fire, but there were reports of casualties.
"Again, animals hit a high-rise building in the Ternivskyi district with a shaheed. Fire," he wrote on Telegram.
Zelensky says military issues were primary topic at trilateral talks
03:00 , Alex CroftUkrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky said military issues were the primary topic of discussion at trilateral talks with the US and Russia over the weekend, but that political issues were also discussed.
“The meetings covered a range of important issues – primarily military, essential to bringing the war to an end,” he wrote on X.
“Complex political matters that remain unresolved were also discussed. The key positions of all parties were analyzed.
"Preparations are now underway for new trilateral meetings this week," he added.
Kremlin says territory of fundamental importance to Russia
01:29 , Alex CroftWe’ve heard from Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, who has said that the territorial issue remains of fundamental importance to Russia in peace talks with the US and Ukraine.
State news agency RIA cited Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peksov as saying that Moscow positively assesses what he called "constructive talks" on Ukraine.
Peskov confirmed that the three-way talks would continue.
Ukraine peace talks continue this week – but Russia has one major demand
00:30 , Alex CroftTrilateral peace talks between Ukraine, Russia and the US are expected to continue this week, following initial "constructive" discussions held in Abu Dhabi.
Here’s everything you need to know in The Independent’s five-point Bulletin:
Ukraine peace talks continue this week – but Russia has one major demand
Mass power outages after Russian attack on Kharkiv
Monday 26 January 2026 23:46 , Harriette BoucherRussian drones and missile strikes on Kharkiv have knocked out power to 80 per cent of the city and its surrounding region, as apartment buildings and a school and kindergarten were struck.
Regional governor Oleh Syniehubov posted on Telegram to say the at least two people had been injured in the strikes on Monday and confirmed that the majority of the city was without electricity.
He said: "Our energy system came under attack and there was quite serious damage. All crews are at work to eliminate all the negative consequences quickly.”
Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov said an "energy site" had been targeted as night-time temperatures dipped to -14 degrees Celsius.
UNESCO World Heritage site damaged in Russian assault
Monday 26 January 2026 23:30 , Alex CroftBuildings among the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra National Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, were damaged during a Russian missile and drone attack on the Ukrainian capital, according to the reserve’s director general.
Maksym Ostapenko told Interfax Ukraine that the building had been damaged due to military action “for the first time since World War II”.
“Each time, Moscow has been behind this – as in 1918; as when, on orders from Moscow, the Dormition Cathedral was blown up in 1941; and now, again on orders from Moscow, Shahed drones and missiles are flying against Kyiv and causing damage, including now to the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra,” Mr Ostapenko said.
The blast shattered some windows and doors, with fragments of plasterwork damaged in several places, he said.
Ukraine's energy minister welcomes EU's ban on Russia gas imports
Monday 26 January 2026 22:30 , Alex CroftUkraine's energy minister Denys Shmyhal welcomed the EU's 2027 ban on Russian gas imports, saying in a statement on Monday that independence from Russian energy "is, above all, about a safe and strong Europe."
He said that “penalties for violations range from EUR 2.5 million (£2.2m) for individuals to EUR 40 million (£34.7m) for companies. The regulation will enter into force in early February.
Ukraine drone attack kills one in Russia's Belgorod region, governor says
Monday 26 January 2026 22:04 , Bryony GoochA Ukrainian drone attack killed a resident of Russia's border region of Belgorod on Monday, the regional governor said. Vyacheslav Gladkov, writing on Telegram, said the drone hit a car near the border, killing a man before the arrival of an emergency crew. Ukrainian forces have frequently struck targets in Belgorod region since Moscow launched its full-scale invasion of its smaller neighbour in February 2022.
This could not be independently verified.
France detains captain of suspected Russian 'shadow fleet' tanker seized in Mediterranean
Monday 26 January 2026 21:31 , Alex CroftThe captain of a tanker intercepted in the Mediterranean Sea by the French navy on suspicion of shipping oil in violation of sanctions against Russia was reported Sunday as being held in custody for questioning.
The ship’s Indian captain was handed to judicial authorities following the diversion of the oil tanker, Grinch, and its arrival at anchorage in the Gulf of Fos-sur-Mer, French media reported, citing a statement by the Marseille prosecutor’s office.
The Ici Provence radio broadcaster reported that the crew, also of Indian nationality, was being kept on board. A preliminary investigation was opened on charges of failure to fly a flag.
Read more here:
France detains captain of suspected Russian 'shadow fleet' tanker seized in Mediterranean
Talks with US and Ukraine in Abu Dhabi were constructive but major challenges remain, Kremlin says
Monday 26 January 2026 20:30 , Alex CroftNegotiations aimed at ending Russia’s invasion of Ukraine are yielding apparent signs of progress, but major challenges remain on the path to a final settlement, a senior Kremlin official said Monday.
Talks between envoys from Ukraine, Russia and the United States in recent days in Abu Dhabi were constructive and another round is planned for next week, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists.
He reported no major breakthrough so far, however, and added: “The very fact that these contacts have begun in a constructive way can be assessed positively, but there is still serious work ahead.”
Read the full report:
Talks with US and Ukraine in Abu Dhabi were constructive but major challenges remain, Kremlin says
Recap: Russian forces injure two in attack on school and kindergarten in Kharkiv
Monday 26 January 2026 20:00 , Bryony GoochRussian forces on Monday launched a drone and missile attack on Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-largest city, hitting apartment buildings, a school and a kindergarten and injuring at least two people, Mayor Ihor Terekhov said on Telegram.
Unofficial Telegram channels posted pictures showing the city, a frequent Russian target located 30 km (18 miles) from the Russian border, had been plunged into darkness.
In Kryvyi Rih, president Volodymyr Zelensky's home town to the southeast of Kharkiv, the head of the industrial city's military administration said Russian drones hit a high-rise apartment building.
Oleksandr Vilkul, writing on Telegram, said the impact had triggered a fire, but gave no immediate indication of any casualties.
Reuters could not independently verify the reports and there was no immediate reaction from Russian officials.
Trump not giving up on Ukraine peace process, White House says
Monday 26 January 2026 19:44 , Bryony GoochUS president Donald Trump is not giving up on the Ukraine peace process and remains deeply involved, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters on Monday, adding that she was not tracking any scheduled calls with Russian or Ukrainian leaders at this point.
Kremlin demands Ukraine cede Donbas region
Monday 26 January 2026 19:29 , Alex CroftThe Kremlin has insisted that Ukraine will cede all of the Donbas region, according to statements in Russian state media on Monday.
“It's no secret that this is our consistent position, the position of our president, that the territorial issue, which is part of the Anchorage formula, is of fundamental importance to the Russian side,” Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said.
Peskov said trilaterial discussions between Russia, Ukraine and the US had been “constructive” but reiterated the importance of territory to a successful agreement.
The issue has been a key sticking point throughout discussions that have taken place over the last few weeks.
Drone debris sparks fire in Russia's Krasnodar region leaving one person injured
Monday 26 January 2026 18:40 , Alex CroftOne person was left injured and two enterprises caught on fire after drone fragments fell in the city of Slavyansk-on-Kuban in Russia's Krasnodar region, the regional emergencies centre said on Monday.
It did not identify what enterprises were affected, but the city hosts a private refinery with a capacity of 100,000 barrels per day, which provides fuel for both domestic use and export.
Russia's defence ministry said air defence systems had intercepted and destroyed 40 Ukrainian drones overnight, including 34 in the Krasnodar region.
Hungary summons Ukraine's ambassador over alleged 'attempt to interfere in election'
Monday 26 January 2026 18:20 , Bryony GoochHungary's prime minister Viktor Orban said on Monday that Budapest would summon Ukraine's ambassador over what Orban says is attempts by Kyiv to interfere in a Hungarian parliamentary election due on 12 April.
The announcement by Orban in a Facebook video comes as he has intensified his anti-Ukrainian campaign in the past weeks, and has sought to associate Hungarian opposition leader Peter Magyar with Brussels and Ukraine.
Finland tackles undersea cable sabotage amid Russian threat
Monday 26 January 2026 17:54 , Alex CroftFinland is set to establish a new maritime surveillance centre in the Gulf of Finland, a move aimed at protecting critical undersea infrastructure amidst heightened regional tensions.
The initiative, announced by Finland's Border Guard, will involve cooperation with other Baltic Sea states and the European Commission.
This development comes as the Baltic Sea region remains on high alert following a series of incidents involving power cables, telecommunications links, and gas pipelines since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
The most recent event occurred on New Year's Eve, when Finnish authorities intercepted a cargo vessel en route from Russia to Israel on suspicion of sabotaging an undersea telecoms cable.
Read the full report:
Zelensky calls for Ukrainian and Russian teams to meet before Sunday
Monday 26 January 2026 17:29 , Bryony GoochTalks between Ukrainian and Russian negotiators are expected to resume on Sunday, president Volodymyr Zelensky said, calling on allies not to weaken their pressure on Moscow.
In his evening address on Monday, Zelensky said the two sides had discussed steps to end the war and how that should be monitored during talks last weekend in Abu Dhabi. He added it would be good if those talks could resume even sooner than Sunday.
No link between Ukraine and Greenland discussions, Rutte says
Monday 26 January 2026 17:20 , Alex CroftThere is no link between talks on Ukraine and on Greenland, Nato secretary general Mark Rutte has said.
The two issues remain totally separate, he added, about the issues which have both seen European countries at odds with the Trump administration.
Nato's Rutte urges EU to be flexible on how Ukraine can use loan
Monday 26 January 2026 16:47 , Alex CroftEuropean Union countries should show flexibility on how Ukraine can use the 90 billion euros (£78bn) EU loan to buy weapons and finance its budget, Nato secretary general Mark Rutte said on Monday, adding EU should not impose "buy EU" at all cost.
"I would really strongly urge you to ensure flexibility in how these funds can be spent and not to be overly restrictive with ‘Buy EU’ caveats," he told members of the European Parliament.
"Europe is now building its defence industry and that is vital but it cannot, at the moment, provide nearly enough of what Ukraine needs to defend itself today and to deter tomorrow."
US security agreement for Ukraine '100% ready' to be signed, says Zelensky
Monday 26 January 2026 16:15 , Alex CroftInvestment for Ukraine's Dobra lithium deposit could surpass £500m, says Kyiv
Monday 26 January 2026 15:43 , Alex CroftThe initial investment for the development of Ukraine's Dobra lithium deposit could amount to $700 million, (£511m) economy minister Oleksiy Sobolev told broadcaster Deutsche Welle in an interview cited on the ministry website.
"There is currently no agreement. Its draft will be developed and agreed upon by the parties within one year, in accordance with Ukrainian law,” Mr Sobolev added in the comments quoted on the ministry website.
“But we plan to conclude an agreement within a few months.”
Earlier this month, Ukraine awarded development rights for the deposit to a US-backed consortium, seeking to unlock one of the country’s largest lithium resources.
Zelensky says military issues were primary topic at trilateral talks
Monday 26 January 2026 15:12 , Alex CroftUkrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky said military issues were the primary topic of discussion at trilateral talks with the US and Russia over the weekend, but that political issues were also discussed.
“The meetings covered a range of important issues – primarily military, essential to bringing the war to an end,” he wrote on X.
“Complex political matters that remain unresolved were also discussed. The key positions of all parties were analyzed.
"Preparations are now underway for new trilateral meetings this week," he added.
Our delegation’s report following talks in the UAE with the American and Russian sides. This was the first format of a trilateral dialogue on ending the war in a long time. The meetings covered a range of important issues – primarily military, essential to bringing the war to an… pic.twitter.com/O7tDoaRs0c
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) January 26, 2026
Ukraine's energy minister welcomes EU's ban on Russia gas imports
Monday 26 January 2026 14:03 , Alex CroftUkraine's energy minister Denys Shmyhal welcomed the EU's 2027 ban on Russian gas imports, saying in a statement on Monday that independence from Russian energy "is, above all, about a safe and strong Europe."
He said that “penalties for violations range from EUR 2.5 million (£2.2m) for individuals to EUR 40 million (£34.7m) for companies. The regulation will enter into force in early February.
🇪🇺 We welcome the EU Council’s decision to introduce a definitive phased ban on RU gas imports. A full ban on LNG will take effect in early 2027, followed by a ban on pipeline gas in autumn 2027. Penalties for violations range from EUR 2.5 million for individuals to EUR 40…
— Denys Shmyhal (@Denys_Shmyhal) January 26, 2026
France detains captain of suspected Russian 'shadow fleet' tanker seized in Mediterranean
Monday 26 January 2026 13:39 , Alex CroftThe captain of a tanker intercepted in the Mediterranean Sea by the French navy on suspicion of shipping oil in violation of sanctions against Russia was reported Sunday as being held in custody for questioning.
The ship’s Indian captain was handed to judicial authorities following the diversion of the oil tanker, Grinch, and its arrival at anchorage in the Gulf of Fos-sur-Mer, French media reported, citing a statement by the Marseille prosecutor’s office.
The Ici Provence radio broadcaster reported that the crew, also of Indian nationality, was being kept on board. A preliminary investigation was opened on charges of failure to fly a flag.
Read more here:
France detains captain of suspected Russian 'shadow fleet' tanker seized in Mediterranean
In pictures: Ukraine receives hundreds of generators from Poland amid power cuts
Monday 26 January 2026 13:16 , Alex Croft
Kremlin says territory of fundamental importance to Russia
Monday 26 January 2026 13:05 , Alex CroftWe’ve heard from Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, who has said that the territorial issue remains of fundamental importance to Russia in peace talks with the US and Ukraine.
State news agency RIA cited Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peksov as saying that Moscow positively assesses what he called "constructive talks" on Ukraine.
Peskov confirmed that the three-way talks would continue.
UNESCO World Heritage site damaged in Russian assault
Monday 26 January 2026 12:52 , Alex CroftBuildings among the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra National Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, were damaged during a Russian missile and drone attack on the Ukrainian capital, according to the reserve’s director general.
Maksym Ostapenko told Interfax Ukraine that the building had been damaged due to military action “for the first time since World War II”.
“Each time, Moscow has been behind this – as in 1918; as when, on orders from Moscow, the Dormition Cathedral was blown up in 1941; and now, again on orders from Moscow, Shahed drones and missiles are flying against Kyiv and causing damage, including now to the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra,” Mr Ostapenko said.
The blast shattered some windows and doors, with fragments of plasterwork damaged in several places, he said.
Kremlin demands Ukraine cede Donbas region
Monday 26 January 2026 12:49 , Alex CroftThe Kremlin has insisted that Ukraine will cede all of the Donbas region, according to statements in Russian state media on Monday.
“It's no secret that this is our consistent position, the position of our president, that the territorial issue, which is part of the Anchorage formula, is of fundamental importance to the Russian side,” Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said.
Peskov said trilaterial discussions between Russia, Ukraine and the US had been “constructive” but reiterated the importance of territory to a successful agreement.
The issue has been a key sticking point throughout discussions that have taken place over the last few weeks.
Ukraine peace talks continue this week – but Russia has one major demand
Monday 26 January 2026 12:02 , Alex CroftTrilateral peace talks between Ukraine, Russia and the US are expected to continue this week, following initial "constructive" discussions held in Abu Dhabi.
Here’s everything you need to know in The Independent’s five-point Bulletin:
Ukraine peace talks continue this week – but Russia has one major demand
