Correspondence Brussels// The EU summit started amid Hungarian blackmail

The winter summit of the European Union began amid Viktor Orbán's victory and the success of Hungarian blackmail. On Wednesday, December 13, on the eve of the meeting, the European Commission announced the unblocking of 10.2 billion euros of funds intended for Hungary, which had been frozen due to the situation of human rights and the rule of law in this EU member country.

Russia warns: Taking off of F-16s from Poland, Slovakia and Romania amounts to participation in the conflict in Ukraine

Russia will consider the possible dispatch of F-16 fighter jets from air bases in Poland, Romania and Slovakia as the involvement of these countries in the conflict in Ukraine. This was stated by the head of the Russian delegation during the negotiations in Vienna on military security and arms control, Konstantin Gavrilov, speaking at the plenary session of the OSCE forum on cooperation in the security sector, RIA Novosti reports.

Another hostage with dual citizenship, Israeli and Romanian, died in the Gaza Strip

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Romania announced on Thursday the death of another person with dual citizenship, Israeli and Romanian, held hostage in the Gaza Strip.

Romania wants to buy Javelin anti-tank missiles

The US State Department approved the sale of 263 Javelin anti-tank missiles to Romania, in a contract estimated at 80 million dollars. The announcement was made on Tuesday by the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), which notified the US Congress in this regard, informs DIGI24.

On the eve of the European Council summit, the EU Executive unblocks 10.2 billion euros for Hungary

The European Commission on Wednesday unblocked €10.2 billion in frozen EU cohesion funds earmarked for Hungary, one day before European leaders are set to discuss new aid to Ukraine and the opening of accession negotiations for Kyiv, which Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has ferociously opposed, Politico reports.

Charles Michel: The main obstacle for the accession negotiations of the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine is the opposition of the Prime Minister of Hungary

The main obstacle to a positive decision for the accession negotiations of the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine is the opposition of the Prime Minister of Hungary, Viktor Orbán, said the President of the European Council, Charles Michel, in an interview for Free Europe. Two days before the European Union summit where enlargement will also be discussed, the official says he is confident in the success of the meeting and that European leaders are working to convince Hungary.

Donald Tusk wins parliament’s backing to be new Polish PM

The new government of Polish Prime Minister-designate Donald Tusk won a vote of confidence on Tuesday, DW reports.

Ukraine’s NATO membership bid to be considered after it wins conflict — Biden

Ukraine’s accession to NATO will be considered only after it wins the conflict, US President Joe Biden said, according to TASS.

Australia, Canada, New Zealand back 'sustainable ceasefire' in Gaza

Canada, Australia and New Zealand on Tuesday backed urgent international efforts towards a "sustainable ceasefire" in Gaza in a coordinated show of concern shortly after the U.S. warned Israel of declining support over its military campaign, Reuters reports.

Russian missile attack on Kiev, dozens of people injured

A Russian missile attack targeted Kiev on Wednesday morning, injuring dozens of people, according to the mayor of the Ukrainian capital, reports Agerpres.ro.

Zelensky addresses security challenges in US talks

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky engaged in critical discussions on global security challenges, Ukrainian frontline developments, and ongoing defence collaboration with American officials during his official visit to the United States, as reported by Unian.

U.S. officials confirm Houthi attack on cargo vessel

According to two American defence officials, the missile, launched by Houthi rebels, struck the cargo ship STRINDA, causing a fire and damages. Fortunately, there were no casualties in the attack, as reported by Agerpres.ro.