Ukraine said on Tuesday its forces were ‘commencing new offensive actions’ in Russia’s western Kursk region, in its first substantive remarks two days after Russian reports of a renewed Ukrainian thrust in the area.

In the first trading day after Ukraine ceased the flow of Russian gas and oil, benchmark natural gas prices in Europe surged 4%.

Justin Trudeau's resignation as Canada's prime minister signals the latest political shake-up of an ally of Ukraine's fight against Russian aggression. It comes on the heels of Austria's Chancellor Karl Nehammer stepping down and his ruling conservative People's Party (OVP) agreeing to talks with the far-right Freedom Party (FPO) which has criticized both aid for Ukraine and sanctions on Russia.

Vienna could be about to get its first far-right leader since World War II. Europe’s mainstream sees trouble brewing.

Austria's OMV has struck a deal to supply Germany's Uniper with gas from its Black Sea project from 2027, three people familiar with the matter told Reuters, as Europe seeks new ways to boost energy security after cutting ties with Russia.

Austria’s Freedom Party, which is starting talks to lead the government, opposes sanctions on Russia and the EU’s support for Ukraine.

Austrian oil and gas company OMV has finalised an agreement to supply natural gas from its Neptun Deep project in the Black Sea to German energy company Uniper, starting in 2027, reported Reuters, citing three people familiar with the matter.

Ukraine won its first World Cup luge medal in more than 16 years. The country's relay team — singles sliders Yulianna Tunytska and Andriy Mandziy, along with Ihor Hoi and Nazarii Kachmar on one doubles sled, Olena Stetskiy and Oleksandra Mokh on the other — finished third in a race at Sigulda, Latvia.

Central European gas flows have adapted to the halt of Russian supplies through Ukraine on Jan. 1, as increased shipments to the region from Germany and Italy make up the shortfall, data from network operators showed on Monday.

The leader of the anti-immigration, pro-Russia Freedom Party has been given the chance to try to form a government after months of coalition talks among mainstream parties collapsed.

Austria headed on Sunday towards coalition talks led by the far-right Freedom Party (FPO) after efforts to form a centrist government without the FPO fell apart and prompted Chancellor Karl Nehammer to resign.