13 January: Russia is facing a serious shortage of new recruits during the spring military draft. The military expects to recruit about 300,000 men, while only 135,000 were drafted in the Autumn of last year. (Kommersant)

Borrell underlined that the European Union will make every effort to support the peace process and to remain a committed partner to the Afghan people. "Of course, we will have to take into account the evolving situation, but disengagement is not an option.  We are clear on that: there is no alternative to a negotiated political settlement, through inclusive peace talks.