8:01 AM

Kallas, Rubio discuss Ukraine in first official phone call.

EU Chief Diplomat Kaja Kallas spoke with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Jan. 28 in their first official phone conversation since the Trump administration took office.

6:26 AM

2 killed in Mykolaiv amid Russian missile attack.

Two people were killed in the city of Mykolaiv amid a Russian missile strike, regional governor Vitalii Kim reported on Jan. 28.

4:51 AM

US judge temporarily halts Trump's federal aid freeze, NYT reports.

A federal judge temporarily halted the Trump administration’s Office of Management and Budget (OMB) memo that sought to freeze up to $3 billion in funding for various U.S. federal programs, the New York Times (NYT) reported on Jan. 28.

2:34 AM

Drone strikes target multiple Russian regions, hit oil refinery in Nizhny Novgorod.

Drone strikes were reported across several Russian regions, including the Nizhny Novgorod, Smolensk, Tver, and Bryansk regions, causing fires and prompting air defense responses.

1:46 AM

Mayor in Ukraine's Lviv Oblast fined for disrupting mobilization activities.

Taras Kuchma, the mayor of Drohobych in Lviv Oblast, has been fined for interfering with mobilization efforts, Ukrainian media outlet Zaxid.net reported on Jan. 28.

1:40 AM

China urges Russia, US to cut nuclear arsenals before joining disarmament talks.

In a video message to the World Economic Forum in Davos last week, U.S. President Donald Trump expressed his desire for "denuclearisation" and reiterated his call for trilateral discussions involving the U.S., Russia, and China.

12:57 AM

US transfers 90 Patriot missiles from Israel to Ukraine, Axios reports.

In preparation for the transfer, U.S. Air Force cargo planes recently transported the interceptors from an air base in southern Israel to Rzeszów, Poland, a key logistics hub for military aid to Ukraine.

11:56 PM

Opinion

Trump’s aid freeze stranded independent Ukrainian media. Here's how you can help

11:51 PM

'Putin afraid of negotiations' — Zelensky hits back after Kremlin leader labels him 'illegitimate.'

"Today, Putin once again proved that he is afraid of negotiations, afraid of strong leaders, and is doing everything possible to drag out the war. Every step he takes, every cynical maneuver, is aimed at making this war endless," Zelensky said on Jan. 28.

10:34 PM

Defense Minister Umerov under investigation for possible abuse of power, office position, media reports.

Proceedings against Rustem Umerov opened at the request of the Anti-Corruption Action Center, NABU said.

10:32 PM

War update

Ukraine war latest: Putin claims Zelensky doesn't have a right to sign any potential peace deal

10:18 PM

Putin claims Zelensky doesn't have a right to sign any potential peace deal.

"Negotiations can be held with anyone," Putin said. "But due to his illegitimacy he has no right to sign anything. If (Zelensky) wants to take part in talks, I will delegate people who will conduct such talks. But the (key) issue is the ultimate signing of the documents."

8:47 PM

Donald Trump

What Trump's first week in office says about his stance on Ukraine

8:41 PM

Italian parliament extends military support for Ukraine through 2025.

Earlier, the Italian Senate approved the measure with 192 votes in favor and 41 against.

7:20 PM

SBU says it dismantled Russian spy network targeting F-16 jets.

The operation, conducted near a military airfield, led to the arrest of two agents who were caught photographing a Ukrainian F-16 fighter jet during takeoff.

7:06 PM

Ukraine Reforms Tracker Weekly — Issue 11

6:35 PM

NATO official ties assassination plot against Rheinmetall CEO to Russian sabotage campaign.

Speaking at the European Parliament, NATO's Deputy Assistant Secretary-General James Appathurai confirmed the threats against Rheinmetall's CEO, which had previously been circulating only in the media.

5:13 PM

Russian oil sales to China and India stall as sanctions increase costs, Reuters reports.

The disruption has led to stalled trade in Russian crude loaded for March delivery as rising shipping costs created a significant price gap between buyers and sellers, according to Reuters.

4:14 PM

Uzbekistan Airways reroute European flights to avoid Russia, Belarus as 'precaution.'

Uzbekistan Airways airliners have changed their routes when flying to Europe to avoid Russian and Belarusian airspace as a "precautionary measure," the Uzbek news outlet Repost reported on Jan. 28.

3:50 PM

'Pure propaganda' — Kharkiv Oblast governor denies Russian claims of capturing Dvorichna.

Kharkiv Oblast Governor Oleh Syniehubov on Jan. 28 refuted the Russian Defense Ministry's claims that Russian forces had captured the village of Dvorichna in the Kupiansk district, emphasizing that fighting in the area is ongoing, Ukrinform reported.

3:43 PM

Russian physiologist Pavlov’s statue dismantled in central Kyiv.

Russian physiologist Ivan Pavlov’s statue was removed from Kyiv’s Pechersk district for symbolizing Russia’s imperial past and his cruel experiments on humans and animals, the Kyiv city administration said on Jan. 27.

3:03 PM

Spanish Foreign Minister Albares visits Ukraine to reaffirm support amid war.

"This year will be a year of peace," Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares wrote on X, emphasizing Spain's commitment to a "just peace" that ensures Ukraine's sovereignty and freedom.

3:03 PM

Opinion

3 key takeaways from Davos from Ukraine’s economy minister

2:44 PM

EU considering new trade regime with Ukraine, media reports.

While the European Commission allegedly does not plan to reinstate pre-war trade rules, it is considering alternatives within the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA) framework, including quotas for agricultural products and additional safeguards.

2:18 PM

Government dismisses Deputy Defense Minister Klimenkov amid procurement tensions.

The decision follows ongoing tensions within the Defense Ministry over its weapons procurement process, which has been heavily scrutinized amid reform efforts.