Ukraine War & Energy Attacks: Kyiv says Russia is “tearing Kyiv apart” after fresh strikes shut bridges and disrupt daily life, while Moscow escalates winter drone warfare with a new Shahed “whiskers” design aimed at cutting power lines and substations. NATO/Europe Security: NATO chief Mark Rutte warns Russia keeps testing allies through hybrid tactics, and Ukraine’s intelligence says Moscow is preparing sabotage and attacks on EU/NATO infrastructure, including possible pressure on Starlink ground sites. Kaliningrad Nuclear Rhetoric: Vladimir Putin again warns that any direct attack or isolation of Kaliningrad could trigger “all weapons,” including nuclear options, as Baltic tensions and the Suwałki Gap remain a flashpoint. Sanctions & Shadow Fleet: Japan announces new sanctions targeting Russia’s shadow fleet by restricting repairs, insurance and financing for 35 vessels, joining wider pressure over energy evasion. Regional Politics: Latvia’s election is set against a backdrop of Russian hybrid threats and cost-of-living strain, with pro-Ukraine parties expected to hold the EU course. Diplomacy & Trade: Russia signals it wants Armenia to stay constructive in the Eurasian Economic Union, while China welcomes Putin’s planned APEC attendance. Public Health Rumor: In Irkutsk, a hospital quarantine follows a death after social media rumors of plague—authorities say tests so far are negative for contacts.