Documents for a deal between Ukraine and the US on the war in Ukraine could be signed at Davos next week if terms are agreed, Volodymyr Zelensky has said.
A Ukrainian delegation is travelling to the US for negotiations on security guarantees and a “prosperity package” in the event of a ceasefire.
Speaking to reporters in Kyiv, the Ukrainian president expressed hope that the documents could be signed on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos next week, where global leaders will gather for talks.
During the talks, Zelensky said his team would seek clarity from the US on the Russian stance towards diplomatic efforts to end the war. Moscow has refused to budge on its maximalist demands for a peace deal.
The trip comes after Trump accused Zelensky of holding up an agreement in the latest show of support from the US President for the Russian leader.
He claimed that Putin “is ready to make a deal” while “Ukraine is less ready to make a deal”.
Key Points
- Zelensky rebuts Trump: 'Ukraine will never be a stumbling block to peace' - watch
- Ukraine killed 27 Russian soldiers for every loss in Kupiansk
- Russia expels another British diplomat amid accusations of spying
- Nato discusses Russia's attacks and energy problems with Zelensky
- Russia destroys large energy facility in Kharkiv, mayor says
Pictured: A young biathlete trains outside destroyed ski base in Chernihiv
14:15 , Daniel Keane
Czechs to provide Ukraine with drone-fighting jets, president says
13:45 , Daniel KeaneThe Czech Republic is set to provide Ukraine with combat planes shortly that can shoot down incoming drones, President Petr Pavel told Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv.
He did not give specifics but two years ago said Czech-made subsonic L-159 fighter jets could be transferred to Ukraine.
"The Czech Republic can in relatively short time provide several medium combat planes, which are highly effective in fighting drones, and I believe we will manage to quickly and successfully conclude this issue," Pavel told a news conference with Zelensky.
He said Prague might also supply early-warning systems such as passive radars.
Zelensky declares state of emergency for Ukraine’s energy sector as temperatures drop
13:20 , Daniel KeaneUkraine has fuel reserves for more than 20 days, the country’s energy minister told parliament on Friday as a state of emergency was declared in its ailing energy sector.
Denys Shmyhal said the overall energy situation was very difficult as the country grapples with an onslaught of Russian attacks against vital power infrastructure.
"There is not a single power plant left in Ukraine that the enemy has not attacked,” he said, assessing that winter preparations have “failed” in some cities and regions.
Shmyhal, who took office earlier this week, said the most challenging situation remains in the capital Kyiv, the regions of Dnipropetrovsk, Kharkiv and Odesa, and in towns near the frontline, where thousands of homes have been without electricity and heating for days in subzero temperatures.
President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Moscow of deliberately exploiting the -20C winter conditions to target power stations and energy storage facilities as he introduced the state of emergency on Wednesday.
Read our full story below.
Zelensky declares state of emergency for Ukraine’s energy sector as temperatures drop
Trump to visit Greenland in March
12:53 , Daniel KeanePresident Donald Trump's special envoy to Greenland said he plans to visit the Danish territory in March, and that he believes a deal can be made.
"I do believe that there's a deal that should and will be made once this plays out," Jeff Landry told Fox News in an interview on Friday.
The news comes amid growing threats from the US to take over Greenland, which have prompted alarm in Nato. The territory is part of Greenland, a member of the alliance.
"The president is serious. I think he's laid the markers down. He's told Denmark what he's looking for, and now it's a matter of having Secretary (of State Marco) Rubio and Vice President JD Vance make a deal."
Agreements could be signed in Davos, says Zelensky
12:09 , James ReynoldsDoubling down on his insistence that Russia is blame for any stalling in the peace process, Zelensky said that an agreement could be signed as soon as the World Economic Forum's annual meeting in Davos next week.
He said he also hopes to get clarity on Russia’s stance on peace talks, and urges that ultimatums are not the way to do diplomacy.
Ukrainian delegation heading to US for more peace talks
12:06 , James ReynoldsZelensky says that a Ukrainian delegation is heading to the US for more peace talks.
The talks will cover security guarantees and a prosperity package, he says.
He insists Ukraine still needs guarantees that will outlast Trump’s term in office.
Ukraine has fuel reserves for 20 days, new minister says
11:31 , James ReynoldsUkraine has fuel reserves for more than 20 days, the country’s energy minister told parliament on Friday.
Denys Shmyhal said the overall energy situation remains very difficult, with Russia striking vital infrastructure.
"There is not a single power plant left in Ukraine that the enemy has not attacked,” he said, assessing that winter preparations have “failed” in some cities and regions.
Shmyhal, who took office earlier this week, said the most challenging situation remains in the capital Kyiv, the regions of Dnipropetrovsk, Kharkiv and Odesa, and in towns near the frontline, where thousands of homes have been without electricity and heating for days in subzero temperatures.
Ukrainians left without power, heat or savings, IFRC warns
11:00 , James ReynoldsThe International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) warns that families in Ukraine face dire conditions without heat or savings as Putin ramps up his aerial attacks on power infrastructure.
Speaking at the UN press briefing this morning, Jaime Wah, IFRC Deputy Head of Delegation in Ukraine, said people are at risk of hypothermia, frostbite and respiratory illnesses as unpredictable power cuts sweep the nation, disrupting water supply, healthcare services and transport.
Older people, children, people with disabilities, and those with chronic illnesses face the greatest risks, he said.
“Many families we speak to have almost no capacity left to cope. Our research with thousands of households across Ukraine shows that seven in ten people have no more savings.
“Rising prices for food, fuel, and medicine mean many families are being forced to choose between heating their homes, buying food, or accessing essential healthcare. These are choices no one should make.”
Deputy PM arrives in Ukraine
10:40 , James ReynoldsDavid Lammy has arrived in Ukraine, Kyiv's ambassador to the UK said on Friday.
Valeriy Zaluzhnyi said on the Telegram app that the parties would hold a Centennial Partnership Forum and discuss future cooperation.
Royal Marines prepare for war in the Arctic
10:30 , James ReynoldsBritain’s Royal Marines have been preparing for war in the Arctic in -20C temperatures.
The elite units were undergoing field training at Norway’s Camp Viking this week.
Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper told Politico the UK was “effectively doubling” the number of marines stationed at the camp over three years.
In pictures: Engineers work to restore power in Kyiv region following strikes
10:00 , James Reynolds
ICYMI: What is Project Nightfall? UK says it will develop new ballistic missile for Ukraine
09:30 , James ReynoldsThe UK has revealed it will develop new tactical ballistic missiles for Kyiv and put “leading-edge weapons into the hands of Ukrainians” for their fight against Russia.
Code-named “Project Nightfall”, the missiles will help boost Ukrainian firepower and be capable of striking targets deep inside Russia, the Ministry of Defence said in a statement this week.
Here’s what we know so far:
What is Project Nightfall? UK says it will develop new ballistic missile for Ukraine
Ukraine's energy crisis still 'extremely serious'
09:00 , James ReynoldsMaxim Timchenko, head of Ukraine's biggest private energy firm, said that Kyiv’s energy crisis remains “extremely serious”, following Russian attacks on key infrastructure.
“The situation facing Ukraine's energy sector is extremely serious due to unprecedented attacks by russia [sic] and extreme cold across the country,” he said.
Timchenko, the CEO of DTEK, said he joined Zelensky at a meeting to discuss the emergency on Wednesday.
Britain unveils extra £20m for Ukraine's battered energy infrastructure
08:30 , James ReynoldsThe UK has today announced a further £20 million of energy infrastructure support to bolster Ukrainian energy security following “callous and intensifying” Russian attacks on Ukraine’s energy sector.
Support announced today will help respond to urgent needs to keep heat and power available for millions of people, the FCDO said.
The UK is also expanding its school twinning programme for 54,000 British and Ukrainian pupils, aimed at fostering long-term security and growth across both nations.
Zelensky hits back at Trump over peace remark: 'Not an obstacle'
07:57 , Arpan RaiPresident Volodymyr Zelensky has said that Ukraine is not an obstacle to peace, pushing back against comments made a day earlier by US president Donald Trump.
“We also talked about diplomatic work with America. Ukraine has never been and will never be an obstacle to peace," Zelensky said in his nightly video address, referring to a telephone conversation with Nato secretary general Mark Rutte.
In his comments, Zelensky said Russia's continued attacks on Ukrainian energy sites and other targets demonstrated that Moscow did not want peace.
“It is precisely Russian missiles, Russian 'Shaheds,' (drones) and Russia's attempt to destroy Ukraine that are clear evidence that Russia is not interested in agreements at all," he said.
Ukraine killed 27 Russian soldiers for every loss in Kupiansk
07:35 , Arpan RaiAt least 27 Russian soldiers were killed for each Ukrainian soldier lost in the battle to regain the key city of Kupiansk, a recent intelligence assessment provided to the British military showed.
The kill ratio of 1:27 was given to British officials in a briefing with Ukrainian officials last week. The briefing was to share Kyiv’s ability to win back territory despite Moscow’s “meat grinder” tactics on the battlefield with sheer force of numbers.
As many as 200 Russian soldiers were surrounded by advancing Ukrainians in the battle for the northern city of Kupiansk in Kharkiv before Christmas, a defence source told The Times.
Ukraine last month regained the city and said it controlled nearly 90 per cent of the strategic northeastern town of Kupiansk.
Britain is ‘stepping up on Arctic security’, Yvette Cooper says amid Trump Greenland threats
07:20 , Arpan RaiBritain is intensifying its focus on Arctic security, foreign secretary Yvette Cooper said as she tours Scandinavia.
Her visit earlier this week came amid ongoing concerns regarding US threats to annex Greenland, highlighting the strategic importance of the region.
Cooper advocated for enhanced Nato efforts to safeguard the High North from Russian aggression.
During her visit to Finland and Norway on Wednesday, she met with Finnish border guards and British Royal Marines at Norway's Camp Viking base.
Cooper said the government is "reinforcing our diplomatic and security commitment to the region."
Ahead of the trip, she said: “Britain is stepping up on Arctic security. With our allies we are working to strengthen Arctic defences and deter any attempts from the likes of Vladimir Putin to threaten our interests and our infrastructure.”
Britain ‘stepping up on Arctic security’ amid Trump Greenland threats
IMF chief vows to get a new funding programme for Ukraine cleared
06:55 , Arpan RaiInternational Monetary Fund chief Kristalina Georgieva met with top Ukrainian officials in frosty, snow-covered Kyiv on Thursday and inspected energy infrastructure damaged in Russian strikes as Ukraine nears the fourth anniversary of Moscow's full-scale invasion on 24 February.
In a surprise visit on Thursday, Georgieva said she expected to send a new $8.1bn lending program to the Fund's board for approval in coming weeks.
Georgieva, who met with Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky and others in the frozen capital, said in an interview that the program would help to unlock funds from other institutions for the war-torn country.
During the trip, kept secret until her arrival on a special VIP train before dawn, she honored fallen soldiers and inspected energy infrastructure hit by Russian strikes.
Georgieva said the situation in Ukraine had clearly worsened since officials signed a preliminary lending agreement in November, but the thrust of the program's requirements would remain the same.
UK announces £20m emergency fund to repair Ukraine’s battered power grid
06:29 , Arpan RaiBritain has announced an urgent £20 million in emergency energy support for Ukraine.
It comes after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky declared a state of emergency following sustained Russian attacks on the country's vital power infrastructure.
Emergency crews have been working tirelessly to restore heating and electricity in Kyiv and other cities, which have been plunged into darkness and sub-zero temperatures by recent assaults.
The additional funding is earmarked to repair, restore, and protect Ukraine's power grid throughout the winter months.
It aims to ensure that electricity and heating remain available for homes, hospitals, and schools amidst the harsh conditions.
UK announces £20m emergency fund to repair Ukraine’s battered power grid
France claims to provide two-thirds of Ukraine's intelligence information
06:00 , Arpan RaiPresident Emmanuel Macron said on Thursday that France was now providing two-thirds of intelligence information to Ukraine, largely replacing the United States, which until last year had delivered the bulk of those services.
In March 2025, Washington made the decision to suspend intelligence sharing with Ukraine as part of efforts to crank up pressure on Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky to cooperate with President Donald Trump's bid to convene peace talks with Russia, which invaded Ukraine in February 2022.
The relationship has had its ups and downs since, but there has been no indication that Washington has drastically cut its intelligence provision to Ukraine.
In a New Year's speech to the French military, Macron praised Europe's efforts over the last two years in taking over major strands of weapons support to Ukraine.
He said a coalition of some 35 countries was now providing all of the support, including financial, to Kyiv after Washington had decided to no longer fund or directly give weapons to Ukraine.
"Where Ukraine was extremely dependent on American intelligence capacity, huge majority (of it) a year ago, in (the space of) a year, two-thirds is today provided by France," Macron said.
Russia destroys large energy facility in Kharkiv
05:35 , Arpan RaiRussian forces have destroyed a large energy facility in Kharkiv, the mayor said of Ukraine's second-biggest city said yesterday evening.
Kharkiv mayor Ihor Terekhov did not specify what sort of facility had been hit, but said emergency crews were working around the clock.
Kharkiv, 25km (15 miles) from the Russian border, has been regularly targeted by drones, missiles and glide bombs throughout the war, which enters its fifth year next month.
President Volodymyr Zelensky, a day after criticising recovery efforts in the capital Kyiv, proceeded with a drive to tackle the damage inflicted by Russian strikes, chairing a meeting aimed at securing quick decisions from regional leaders.
He said there had been new strikes on Kyiv into the evening.
Zelensky rebuts Trump: 'Ukraine will never be a stumbling block to peace'
05:05 , Arpan RaiZelensky and Kyiv mayor spar over Russian strikes on capital city
04:48 , Arpan RaiVolodymyr Zelensky has slammed the Kyiv city administration for how it has dealt with the crisis caused by Russian strikes in peak winter weeks as he declared a state of emergency.
“Unfortunately, Kyiv has done much less — very little has been done in the capital,” Zelensky said in his regular evening address after a special meeting on energy situation. “And even these days, I don’t see any urgency. We need to urgently rectify this now.”
Kyiv mayor Vitali Klitschko took to Telegram to respond to Zelensky.
“What ‘intensity’ in the work in Kyiv in an emergency situation does the president not see, in particular, in recent days, as he said?” the top official said, adding that “utility workers are working around-the-clock in the bitter cold to repair critical infrastructure.”
“Such statements, first and foremost, negate the selfless work of thousands of people, specialists,” Klitschko said, calling Zelensky’s criticism “nothing but hate”.
“At least I am speaking honestly and warning people about the extremely difficult situation. And I don’t care about any ratings or illusory elections,” the mayor said.
Zelensky hits back at Trump over peace remark: 'Not an obstacle'
04:25 , Arpan RaiPresident Volodymyr Zelensky has said that Ukraine is not an obstacle to peace, pushing back against comments made a day earlier by US president Donald Trump.
“We also talked about diplomatic work with America. Ukraine has never been and will never be an obstacle to peace," Zelensky said in his nightly video address, referring to a telephone conversation with Nato secretary general Mark Rutte.
In his comments, Zelensky said Russia's continued attacks on Ukrainian energy sites and other targets demonstrated that Moscow did not want peace.
“It is precisely Russian missiles, Russian 'Shaheds,' (drones) and Russia's attempt to destroy Ukraine that are clear evidence that Russia is not interested in agreements at all," he said.
Ukraine killed 27 Russian soldiers for every loss in Kupiansk
03:30 , Arpan RaiAt least 27 Russian soldiers were killed for each Ukrainian soldier lost in the battle to regain the key city of Kupiansk, a recent intelligence assessment provided to the British military showed.
The kill ratio of 1:27 was given to British officials in a briefing with Ukrainian officials last week. The briefing was to share Kyiv’s ability to win back territory despite Moscow’s “meat grinder” tactics on the battlefield with sheer force of numbers.
As many as 200 Russian soldiers were surrounded by advancing Ukrainians in the battle for the northern city of Kupiansk in Kharkiv before Christmas, a defence source told The Times.
Ukraine last month regained the city and said it controlled nearly 90 per cent of the strategic northeastern town of Kupiansk.
UK commits extra £20m to support Ukraine's energy infrastructure
03:05 , Arpan RaiThe UK has announced a new emergency energy support of £20m for Ukraine after president Volodymyr Zelensky declared a state of emergency in the wake of relentless Russian attacks on the country’s power infrastructure.
The new emergency funding will be used to repair, restore and protect Ukraine’s power grid this winter, officials said this morning.
“Hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians, including children and schools have been left without heat and power as temperatures across Ukraine plummet to -20c,” the FCDO said in the announcement today.
It added: “The new support announced today will help respond to urgent needs to keep heat and power available for millions of families, children and the elderly after President Zelensky announced a state of emergency in Ukraine following prolonged attacks on Ukraine’s energy sector.”
Recap: Spanish defence minister sceptical about peace for Ukraine
02:04 , Bryony GoochSpanish Defence Minister Margarita Robles said on Thursday she was sceptical about the prospects of Ukraine and Russia reaching a ceasefire agreement, adding that Russia would not accept foreign troops on a peace mission there.
"(Russian president Vladimir) Putin does not seem to want peace," Robles told an event in Madrid.
Recap: IMF chief meets top Ukrainian officials
01:03 , Bryony GoochInternational Monetary Fund chief Kristalina Georgieva met with top Ukrainian officials in frosty, snow-covered Kyiv on Thursday and inspected energy infrastructure damaged in Russian strikes as Ukraine nears the fourth anniversary of Moscow's full-scale invasion on February 24.
Central bank chief Andriy Pyshnyi greeted Georgieva in front of St. Michael's Golden-Domed Monastery in a square in central Kyiv, where burnt-out Russian tanks are on display. Together, they placed flowers at a memorial wall bearing portraits of thousands of Ukrainian soldiers killed while fighting Russia.
The IMF managing director met with Pyshnyi, prime minister Yulia Svyrydenko and finance minister Serhii Marchenko after her arrival, followed by an afternoon meeting with president Volodymyr Zelensky later in the day, an IMF official said. She was also due to meet with business executives during the one-day visit.
Watch: Emergency workers extinguish Kharkiv fires after Russian strike
00:01 , Bryony GoochRussia expels another British diplomat amid accusations of spying
Thursday 15 January 2026 23:00 , Bryony Gooch
Russia expels another British diplomat amid accusations of spying
Watch: Zelensky rebuts Trump: 'Ukraine will never be a stumbling block to peace'
Thursday 15 January 2026 22:39 , Bryony GoochNato discusses Russia's attacks and energy problems with Zelensky
Thursday 15 January 2026 22:00 , Bryony GoochNato secretary general Mark Rutte spoke to Ukraine president Volodymyr Zelensky on Thursday to discuss the latest Russian attacks on Ukraine, which have led to widespread power outages in the country.
"Spoke with @ZelenskyyUa about the energy situation in Ukraine, with Russia's attacks causing terrible human suffering, as well as on the ongoing efforts to bring an end to the war." wrote Rutte on X on Thursday.
"We're committed to ensuring that Ukraine continues to get the crucial support needed to defend today and ultimately secure a lasting peace."
In pictures: The site of a Russian drone strike near the statue of Stepan Bandera, one of the founders of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists
Thursday 15 January 2026 21:00 , Bryony Gooch
Watch: Zelensky to declare state of emergency over Putin’s attacks on energy grid
Thursday 15 January 2026 20:00 , Bryony GoochRussia destroys large energy facility in Kharkiv, mayor says
Thursday 15 January 2026 19:02 , Bryony GoochRussian forces have destroyed a large energy facility in Ukraine's second-biggest city Kharkiv, the mayor said on Thursday, the latest target of a winter air campaign by Moscow that has plunged millions of Ukrainians into darkness and cold.
Russia has attacked the power grid and other energy facilities while pressing a battlefield offensive that has left Kyiv on the back foot as it faces US pressure to secure peace.
Ihor Terekhov, writing on the Telegram messaging app, did not specify what sort of facility had been hit, but said emergency crews were on the scene and working around the clock.
Kharkiv, just 25 km from the Russian border, has been regularly targeted by drones, missiles and glide bombs throughout the war, which enters its fifth year next month.
France claims to provide two-thirds of Ukraine's intelligence information
Thursday 15 January 2026 18:03 , Bryony GoochPresident Emmanuel Macron said on Thursday that France was now providing two-thirds of intelligence information to Ukraine, largely replacing the United States, which until last year had delivered the bulk of those services.
In March 2025, Washington made the decision to suspend intelligence sharing with Ukraine as part of efforts to crank up pressure on Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky to cooperate with President Donald Trump's bid to convene peace talks with Russia, which invaded Ukraine in February 2022.
The relationship has had its ups and downs since, but there has been no indication that Washington has drastically cut its intelligence provision to Ukraine.
In a New Year's speech to the French military, Macron praised Europe's efforts over the last two years in taking over major strands of weapons support to Ukraine.
He said a coalition of some 35 countries was now providing all of the support, including financial, to Kyiv after Washington had decided to no longer fund or directly give weapons to Ukraine.
"Where Ukraine was extremely dependent on American intelligence capacity, huge majority (of it) a year ago, in (the space of) a year, two-thirds is today provided by France," Macron said.
Spain sceptical of Russia-Ukraine ceasefire chances
Thursday 15 January 2026 17:00 , Maira ButtSpain is sceptical of the chances of a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, according to the country’s defence minister Margarita Robles.
“(Russian President Vladimir) Putin does not seem to want peace,” she told an event in Madrid on Thursday.
She added that Russia would not accept foreign troops on a peace mission there, which was earlier confirmed in statements made by the country’s foreign ministry.
Greece warns shipping fleet of risks after attacks to Russian Black Sea ports
Thursday 15 January 2026 16:30 , Maira ButtGreece has warned its shipping fleet to review its security measures when traversing the Black Sea after drone attacks on two Greek-operated tankers this week.
“It is recommended that the security managers of shipping companies, the masters and the security officers of Greek ships proceed with an updated threat assessment for commercial ships located in the Black Sea and the maritime areas close to it,” a shipping ministry document seen by Reuters read.
One of the tankers hit on Tuesday was Matilda, which was hit by two drones. Another vessel was chartered by US oil major Chevron as they approached a Black Sea terminal on Russia’s Black Sea coast.
One injured in Russian ballistic missile strike on port infrastructure in Odesa
Thursday 15 January 2026 16:00 , Maira ButtOne person has been injured after a Russian strike on Ukraine’s port infrastructure in Odesa.
A ballistic missile strike took place in the southern Ukrainian city of Chornomorsk, the country’s deputy prime minister Oleksiy Kuleba wrote on Telegram on Thursday.
The persohn wounded had been on a pier from which a Maltese-flagged ship had been preparing to sail. Three containers were also damaged and an oil leak had occurred, Kuleba added.
Russia destroys 'large' energy facility in Kharkiv, says mayor
Thursday 15 January 2026 15:27 , Maira ButtRussian attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure have continued as forces destroyed a “large” facility in the country’s second biggest city, Kharkiv.
The city’s mayor Ihor Terekhov said emergency crews were on the scene and working to fix the issue.
It comes as President Volodymyr Zelensky declared a state of emergency in the energy sector with power outages reported across the country as the country faces one of its coldest winters on record.
Russia says West should stop claiming Moscow and Beijing are a threat to Greenland
Thursday 15 January 2026 15:00 , Maira ButtAfter President Donald Trump repeatedly suggested that Russia and China are a threat to Greenland to justify a full US takeover, Moscow has insisted that is not the case.
“First they came up with the idea that there were some aggressors, and then that they were ready to protect someone from these aggressors," foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Thursday.
She said that the current discussion “demonstrates with particular acuteness the inconsistency of the so-called 'rules-based world order' being built by the West.”
“We stand in solidarity with China's position on the unacceptability of references to certain activity of Russia and China around Greenland as a reason for the current escalation,” she said.
Western forces in Ukraine 'unacceptable' to Russia
Thursday 15 January 2026 14:30 , Maira ButtThe deployment of Western forces to Ukraine is an “unacceptable” proposition for Russia and soldiers deployed on such placements will be legitimate targets for the military.
“Well aware of the unacceptability of such a scenario for Russia, the British are using it as another tool to undermine the peace process,” foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharov told reporters on Thursday.
“Any foreign troops in Ukraine will be considered as legitimate targets for the Russian armed forces. The British component will be no exception.”
'Invincibility points' set up across Ukraine for sixth consecutive day amid freezing temperatures
Thursday 15 January 2026 14:00 , Maira ButtUkraine’s emergency services have been operating mobile “Invincibility Points” across the country’s capital amid severe drops in temperatures and power outages as a result of Russian strikes.
There are currently 45 points across more than 30 locations to “provide warm, electricity, hot drinks, and a place to rest”, according to the EU’s aid agency ECHO. They are open “around the clock to affected citizens”.
“These Invincibility Points were equipped with EU support through the #EUCivilProtection Mechanism, including generators, heaters, and furniture, helping people endure blackouts and freezing temperatures,” it said in a statement on Thursday.
“In conditions of cold and darkness, these points offer safety, support, and reassurance that no one is left alone.”
Russia says UK missile plan not a step toward peace
Thursday 15 January 2026 13:30 , Maira ButtBritain’s plan to help Ukraine develop a ballistic missile is not a step towards peace, according to Russia’s foreign ministry.
Code-named “Project Nightfall”, the missiles are intended to help boost Ukrainian firepower and be capable of striking targets deep inside Russia, the Ministry of Defence said in a statement.
But Russian foreign ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said that the plan would not help towards securing peace in the region in a statement on Thursday.
ICYMI: Zelensky to declare state of emergency for power grid after Russian barrage
Thursday 15 January 2026 12:57 , Maira ButtUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has announced he will delare a state of emergency in the energy sector after a barrage of Russian attacks on the grid.
Crews have been working around the clock to restore power and heating supplies struck by Russia last week, particularly in the capital, Kyiv.
Repairs to thousands of apartment buildings have been compounded by bitterly cold conditions.
At night, Ukrainians have been shivering through temperatures close to -20C in one of the coldest winters in years.
“The consequences of Russian strikes and deteriorating weather conditions are severe,” Mr Zelensky wrote in English on the social media platform X.
Zelensky to declare state of emergency for power grid after Russian barrage
Russia claims it has gained more than 100 miles of territory since start of year
Thursday 15 January 2026 12:27 , Maira ButtRussia has claimed it has gained more than 100 miles of territory in the last month.
Chief of general staff Valery Gerasimov said that the 116 square miles of Ukrainian territory were captured since the year began.
The country says it has gained 4,125 miles of Ukrainian territory in 2025.
US-brokered peace talks continue, but Donald Trump has blamed Ukraine’s leader Volodymyr Zelensky for delays.
In pictures: The aftermath of a Russian drone strike in Ukraine
Thursday 15 January 2026 11:50 , Maira ButtThe site of a Russian drone strike near the statue of Stepan Bandera, one of the founders of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Lviv, Ukraine on Thursday 15 January 2026.
Last remaining US-Russia nuclear treaty to expire in three weeks as Russia says it awaits response
Thursday 15 January 2026 11:20 , Maira ButtRussia is still waiting for a response from the United States to informally extend the last remaining nuclear arms treaty between the countries, the Kremlin said on Thursday.
The New START treaty will expire in three weeks and President Donald Trump has not responded to Russian leader Vladimir Putin’s offer proposed in September.
“No, we have not received a response. We are certainly awaiting a response to Putin's initiative; we consider this a very important topic,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters.
Earlier this month Trump told the New York Times “if it expires it expires” and that he would replace it with a more ambitious deal with China.
The agreement binds parties to a set limit on strategic weapons that each party can use to target the other’s critical political and military centres in the event of a nuclear war.
It currently caps deployed strategic warheads at 1,550 on each side with no more than 700 deployed ground or submarine-launched missiles and bomber planes.
Poland's PM backs Zelensky after Trump blames Ukrainian leader for peace talk delays
Thursday 15 January 2026 10:51 , Maira ButtPolish prime minister Donald Tusk has backed Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky after Donald Trump accused him of holding up peace talks with Russia.
“It is Russia who rejected the peace plan prepared by the US, not Zelensky,” he wrote in a post on X/Twitter on Thursday.
“The only Russian response were further missile attacks on Ukrainian cities. This is why the only solution is to strengthen pressure on Russia. And you all know it.”
Poland’s airspace was violated by reports of Russian drone incursions last year, prompting the country to demand a no-fly zone.
UK 'carefully considering' response to British diplomat's expulsion from Russia
Thursday 15 January 2026 10:23 , Maira ButtBritain’s government has said it is considering a response to Russia’s expulsion of one of its diplomats after accusations that the person was an undeclared officer for the UK’s spy service.
“This is not the first time the Kremlin has made malicious and baseless accusations against our staff,” the foreign office said in a statement.
“Their targeting of British diplomats comes out of desperation and actions like this undermine the basic conditions required for diplomatic missions to operate.”
Kremlin says Trump is right about Zelensky holding up peace talks
Thursday 15 January 2026 10:08 , Maira ButtAfter President Donald Trump blamed Volodymyr Zelensky for holding up negotiations between Ukraine and Russia, the Kremlin has come out to support his statements.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Russia would welcome White House envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner once a date for a visit had been agreed upon.
Photos show Ukrainians enduring a frigid winter after Russian strikes knocked out power
Thursday 15 January 2026 09:35 , Maira ButtEmergency repair crews are working flat out to restore power in the Kyiv region of Ukraine, after relentless Russian barrages on energy infrastructure left Ukrainians at the mercy of the coldest winter in years with power outages in subzero temperatures.
Turkey to deploy jets to Estonia and Romania under enhanced Nato air policing
Thursday 15 January 2026 09:07 , Maira ButtTurkey will deploy fighter jets to Estonia and Romania, its defence ministry said on Thursday.
The four-month deployment taking place between August and November 2026 will be followed by a similar rotation by Romania from December 2026 to March 2027.
The scheme is part of Nato’s enhanced air policing missions following repeated Russian violations of allied airspace last year.
Russia expels British diplomat accused of spying
Thursday 15 January 2026 08:29 , Maira ButtA British diplomat has been kicked out of Russia over allegations of spying, according to the foreign ministry.
The man – who was accused of working undercover for Britain’s spy service – has been given two weeks to leave the country.
“It was again stressed that Moscow would not tolerate the activities of undeclared British intelligence officers in Russia,” the foreign ministry said in a statement on Thursday.
“A warning was also issued that if London escalates the situation, the Russian side will give a decisive 'mirror' response.”
