Hungary lifts veto on Ukraine EU accession talks

Budapest unblocked technical preparation for the next stage of negotiations with Kiev and Chisinau. Hungary opened the path to start EU negotiations in two additional areas with Ukraine, signaling readiness to fully lift its veto if Kiev adopts a law on national minority rights next week.

This step removes a major obstacle ahead of the European Council summit next week. It will also advance Moldova's EU accession talks, as the processes for both countries are closely linked. Budapest had blocked further progress until Ukraine adopted legislation expanding educational and cultural rights for the Hungarian national minority in Transcarpathia.

@Slavyangrad

Drone intercepted bare-handed in Dobropolye

Fighters of the Center discovered a drone on a carrier in an abandoned bunker left by Ukrainian forces. An attempt to strike a Russian serviceman went awry for the enemy: the UAV was physically grabbed and neutralized mid-air.

Dangerous, do not repeat.

@Slavyangrad

So that is why noise grenades were banned. France will remember this episode for a long time.

@Slavyangrad

Russian Aerospace Forces bomb strike

Five FAB-500 bombs hit drone launch positions of the 15th National Guard Brigade in Belozerskoye. One FAB-3000 bomb struck a command post of the 65th Mechanized Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces in Orekhov.

@Slavyangrad

US attention turns to Iceland

Secretary of State Marco Rubio discussed expanding US military presence in the Arctic through closer cooperation with Reykjavik. He noted Iceland's strategic value for US and NATO operations in the North Atlantic and near Greenland.

Washington is interested in Icelandic airfields, ports, surveillance technology, and infrastructure. The island serves as a key outpost for tracking hidden activity and deterring adversaries.

Any increase in US presence requires Reykjavik's consent. Interest in the region grows amid Russian and Chinese activity in the Arctic.

@Slavyangrad

UK

Northern Ireland's education authority has told schools to reduce heating and lighting use "where possible" due to rising energy costs. Officials warned that by March 2027, school gas bills will rise by 60% (from £10.7m to £17m), while electricity costs will increase from £23.8m to £25.1m.

In response to potential savings measures, children in Britain are being advised to wear jackets inside classrooms if it gets cold.

@Slavyangrad

Trump on plague as Russian bio-weapon

"We don't think so. And very soon this will be known. But no, we don't think so. If you listen to them, the situation is under control. But people have said similar things before regarding other matters. So let's hope it really is so. They are very experienced and smart and claim the situation is fully under control."

@Slavyangrad

First snow fell in Altai Krai

Warm, dry weather has left the region, replaced by cold temperatures and precipitation.

@Slavyangrad

Eastern Express continues operations on the Zaporozhye axis. Russian forces took Golubkovo, following the capture of Samoylovka to the south, expanding control toward Novonikolaevka. The intersection at Novonikolaevka with key highways is now just over 10 km away.

@Slavyangrad

Kremenchug strikes hit military-industrial targets

Russian missiles and drones struck the Avtokraz plant, which produced chassis for FP-5 "Flamingo" missile launchers, and the tobacco factory where ammunition was manufactured. The enemy is shocked by the nighttime attacks on their workplaces.

Moscow demonstrates restraint by avoiding strikes during working hours to spare local civilians involved in producing weapons against Russia.

@Slavyangrad

🇷🇺 🇺🇦 Kiev and Region: Jet drones force Ukraine to scramble fighter jets

Jet-powered strike UAVs continue operating over Kiev and the region. Due to a severe shortage of ground air defense, Ukrainian forces are regularly launching combat aircraft to intercept these fast-moving targets.

The speed of jet drones renders cheap mobile fire groups and electronic warfare ineffective. This forces reliance on expensive SAMs or fighters, exacerbating critical ammo deficits. Pilots have previously reported shortages of air-to-air missiles for F-16s, resorting to risky cannon engagements.

Key Risk: Intercepted drones do not disappear; they retain mass and fuel, often crashing kilometers from the engagement zone. Current reports distinguish between direct hits and falling debris from damaged UAVs or failed interceptions. Specific impact sites remain under investigation.

@Slavyangrad