Highlights: Romania put three past Ukraine in perfect opener

Romania's ice hotel shapes up early with musical-themed rooms

With favourable weather conditions, construction has begun earlier than usual, ensuring the hotel will be ready to host guests at one of Europe’s most unique winter destinations.

Romania’s Schengen accession set to strengthen ties with Hungary

The European Commission declared Romania ready to join the Schengen area in 2011, but faced opposition from several countries. Austria, the last holdout, lifted its veto during a meeting in Budapest last month.

TikTok disinformation falsely accuses von der Leyen of cancelling Romania’s presidential run-off

Euronews' verification team has detected pro-Georgescu TikTok accounts falsely pinning responsibility for the cancelled second round of voting on the EU Commission chief.

Christmas carols with a twist from Romania

On Sunday, carolers from all over Romania gathered in the city of Galati for a traditional folk festival.

Romania's Călin Georgescu pictured with former mercenary investigated for inciting illegal gathering

Former Romanian presidential candidate Călin Georgescu is facing a scandal after photos emerged of him with Horațiu Potra, a private military contractor being investigated on weapons and ammunition charges as well public incitement to illegal gatherings.

Putin’s Revenge Blitz: 100+ Drones Hit Ukrainian Cities a Day After Deadly 9/11 Style Kazan Attack

Russian President Vladimir Putin escalated the war with a revenge-driven drone assault on Ukraine, launching more than 100 drones on December 22, a day after Ukraine struck high-rise buildings in Kazan, Russia. The attack targeted multiple Ukrainian cities, including Kyiv, Kherson, Mykolayiv, and Zaporizhzhya, causing significant damage to businesses and apartment buildings. Ukrainian air defenses managed to intercept 52 of the 103 drones, preventing casualties, though the strikes intensified fears of further infrastructure destruction. This deadly retaliation comes after a devastating attack in Kazan, Russia, on December 21, where Ukrainian forces targeted the capital of Tatarstan, marking a notable escalation in the conflict. #PutinsRevengeBlitz #UkraineDroneAttack #RussiaVsUkraine #KazanAttack #PutinRetaliation #KazanStrike #UkrainianCitiesUnderAttack #RussiaEscalatesWar #UkrainianAirDefenses #WinterWar #PutinSendsMessage #UkraineResilience #RussianDroneAssault #UkraineUnderFire #WarTensions ~HT.178~PR.152~ED.103~GR.121~

Putin Slams West and Ukraine for Ignoring Donbass Crisis; Accuses Ukraine of Betrayal | Details

Russian President Vladimir Putin has sharply criticized both Ukraine and its Western allies for their failure to address the ongoing crisis in Donbass, accusing Ukraine of betraying peace efforts. In a recent interview, Putin stated that Russia should have launched military action against Kiev much earlier, warning that any inaction would have been a "crime" against Russia's national interests. He pointed to the failure of the Minsk agreements, which were intended to provide special status to the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, but were never fully implemented by Ukraine. #PutinSlamsWest #UkraineBetrayal #DonbassCrisis #RussiaUkraineConflict #MinskAgreementsFailure #PutinAccusations #WesternIntervention #NATOExpansion #RussiaMilitaryAction #DonetskLuhansk #PoroshenkoCriticism #UkrainePeaceFailure #RussiaDefendsDonbass #NATOThreatToRussia #UkraineCrisis ~PR.152~ED.103~HT.334~

‘They’ll Regret This’: Putin Roars After 9/11-Style Attack in Kazan Hits Civilians, Warns Ukraine

Russian President Vladimir Putin has issued a stern warning to Ukraine following a dramatic 9/11-style drone attack on Kazan, the capital of Tatarstan. The December 21 assault, involving eight drones, targeted residential buildings and an industrial facility, causing significant damage but no casualties. In response, Putin vowed harsh retaliation, promising that those responsible "will face many times greater destruction in their own country" and "will regret" their actions. He assured Tatarstan's leader, Rustam Minnikhanov, that all damages would be swiftly repaired. The Russian Defense Ministry reported that the attack was carried out in three waves using fixed-wing drones, with air defenses intercepting three and electronic warfare systems neutralizing another three. This unprecedented assault, deep within Russian territory and 1,379 kilometers from Ukraine, has escalated tensions further, drawing sharp condemnation from Moscow. #Putin #KazanAttack #KazanDroneAttack #UkraineConflict #DroneStrike #RussianRetaliation #Tatarstan #PutinWarning #Kiev #RussiaUkraineWar #IDF #TerroristAttack #RussianDefense #CiviliansUnderAttack #KazanStrike #PutinVows Also Read Drone Targets Israeli Prime Minister's House as Strikes in Gaza Result in Over 50 Casualties :: https://www.oneindia.com/international/drone-targets-israeli-prime-minister-house-gaza-strikes-011-3965047.html?ref=DMDesc Iran Downplays Drone 'Attack', States Israel Link Not Established :: https://www.oneindia.com/international/iran-downplays-drone-attack-states-israel-link-not-established-3804551.html?ref=DMDesc Significant Missile and Drone Attack Demolishes Major Ukrainian Power Plant :: https://www.oneindia.com/international/massive-attack-destroys-ukraine-power-plant-011-3797587.html?ref=DMDesc ~PR.152~ED.102~HT.336~GR.125~

Putin Hails Oreshnik Ballistic Missile as ‘Game-Changer’; Big Warning After Massive Kazan Strike

In a bold statement, Russian President Vladimir Putin hailed the Oreshnik ballistic missile as a “game-changer” in Russia’s defense capabilities, following its successful use in a strike on a Ukrainian weapons manufacturing facility in Kazan. Putin emphasized that the missile, capable of reaching speeds up to Mach 10, represents a significant leap in missile technology, showcasing Russia’s advancement in hypersonic warfare. The missile's deployment has raised alarms globally, as it is touted as virtually impossible to intercept by even the most advanced Western air defense systems. Putin’s remarks underscore Russia’s growing military might and serve as a stark warning to the West about the evolving balance of power in global defense. #Putin #OreshnikMissile #RussiaOreshnikMissile #GameChanger #RussianMilitary #HypersonicMissiles #KazanStrike #DefenseInnovation #MilitaryTechnology #RussiaUkraineConflict #Mach10Missile #AdvancedWarfare #StrategicWeapons #RussianDefense #GlobalSecurity #MissileStrike Also Read NATO Chief Mark Rutte Warns of Putin's Intent for Long-Term Confrontation with Europe :: https://www.oneindia.com/international/nato-chief-warns-putin-long-term-confrontation-europe-011-4014089.html?ref=DMDesc Keir Starmer Declares No Intent to Speak with Putin, Emphasises Commitment to Ukraine at G20 Summit :: https://www.oneindia.com/international/keir-starmer-no-plans-to-talk-with-putin-supports-ukraine-011-3990289.html?ref=DMDesc Germany's Scholz Engages in First Call with Putin on Ukraine Negotiations in Nearly Two Years :: https://www.oneindia.com/international/germany-scholz-discusses-ukraine-with-putin-call-011-3988751.html?ref=DMDesc ~PR.152~ED.102~HT.334~

Putin’s Kamikaze Drones Tear Through Ukraine’s Military Line: Leopard Tank, APCs, Howitzers Hit

In a decisive and powerful strike, Russian forces have targeted and destroyed a German-made Leopard tank, along with several other key military assets, in Ukraine’s Kharkiv region. Using kamikaze drones, the Russian military identified the Leopard tank through reconnaissance UAVs before launching a series of devastating drone attacks. The tank was seen engulfed in flames as it was struck multiple times. In addition to the Leopard tank, two more tanks, an M113 APC, and two pickup trucks were eliminated. Russian forces also neutralized five Soviet-made D30 howitzers and four U.S.-made M101 and M119 howitzers. This destruction occurred during a failed Ukrainian counter-attack, leading to significant losses for Kyiv in an ongoing battle for control in the region. #Putin #KamikazeDrones #LeopardTank #UkraineMilitary #RussianForces #Kharkiv #MilitaryStrike #UkraineLosses #RussianVictory #CounterAttackFail #APCsDestroyed #HowitzersHit #UkrainianDefense #RussianMilitary #TacticalStrike Also Read 9/11 Like Attack Takes Place In Russia; All Flights At Kazan Airport Suspended :: https://www.oneindia.com/international/9-11-like-attack-takes-place-in-russia-all-flights-at-kazan-airport-suspended-011-4022565.html?ref=DMDesc Russia Launches Free Cancer Vaccine: Free Distribution To Begin In 2025 :: https://www.oneindia.com/international/russia-launches-free-cancer-vaccine-free-distribution-to-begin-in-2025-4019757.html?ref=DMDesc Uzbekistan National Arrested For Assassination Of Russian Chemical Weapons Chief Igor Kirillov :: https://www.oneindia.com/international/uzbekistan-national-arrested-for-assassination-of-russian-chemical-weapons-chief-igor-kirillov-4019123.html?ref=DMDesc ~PR.274~HT.336~GR.344~