US freezes U4U program, while Italy votes to continue military aid to Ukraine - Tuesday brief
RBC-Ukraine collage
The US has suspended a program for Ukrainian citizens who are fleeing Russia's large-scale aggression. Meanwhile, the Italian parliament voted to continue supplying military aid to Ukraine in 2025.
Read more about what happened on Tuesday, January 28.
US freezes U4U program for Ukrainian refugees
The US Department of Homeland Security said it was suspending the acceptance of Form I-134A, the online request for support, and the declaration of financial support. This is explained by the executive order of January 20, Securing Our Borders.
Italian Parliament supports continuation of military aid to Ukraine
The Lower House of the Italian Parliament has finally approved a resolution on Ukraine, which authorizes the continuation of arms supplies to Kyiv until December 31, 2025.
Putin makes another statement about war in Ukraine and negotiations
"The negotiations, in fact, began immediately after the start of the SVO. At first, we told the then-Ukrainian leadership: the people in the DNR and LNR do not want to be part of Ukraine, leave, and that's it — everything will end there," Russian leader Vladimir Putin said.
According to him, in that case, Russia supposedly would not have attacked Ukrainian territory. At the same time, he claims that it was Kyiv that decided to go to war.
US sends dozens of Patriot missiles from Israel to Ukraine - Axios
The US military has begun transferring approximately 90 missiles for Patriot air defense systems from Israel. They are set to be delivered to Ukraine. In recent days, US Air Force C-17 aircraft have been arriving at an airbase in southern Israel and departing for Rzeszów, Poland.
EU may create 'European space shield': What is its purpose?
European Defense and Space Commissioner Andrius Kubilius has called for the creation of a "European Space Shield" to help unite defense efforts in space.
"I want to set up a dialogue with member states and space commands to look at options towards a European space domain awareness to monitor threats, including military threats," Kubilius said during his speech at the 17th European Space Conference.
Kubilius pointed out that countries are increasingly competing for dominance in space. In particular, Russia, at the start of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, joined forces with China to implement projects such as a joint lunar nuclear power station. This is why the European Commissioner believes "we cannot leave space to the axis of aggressive authoritarians."
Satellite images reveal huge fusion research facility in China
China is reportedly constructing a large fusion research facility in the southwestern city of Mianyang, which could contribute to nuclear weapons development and research into energy production capabilities.
Danish Prime Minister seeks Europe's help to protect Greenland from Trump - Bloomberg
The Prime Minister of Denmark, Mette Frederiksen, is appealing to her European allies for help in dealing with US President Donald Trump's demands to appropriate Greenland.
Frederiksen is touring major capitals after a $2 billion investment in the defense of the Arctic island, which Trump has set his eyes on. This is part of a broader plan to strengthen patrols in the North Atlantic waters.
French Foreign Ministry reveals when Ukraine will receive Mirage 2000-5 fighters
Ukraine will receive Mirage 2000-5 fighter jets from France by the end of the first quarter of 2025, according to French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot.
“Soon, French Mirages will be flying over Ukraine. At the end of the quarter, as announced by the President of the Republic (Emmanuel Macron, President of France - ed.),” the minister said.
