**Czech Government Slams Slovak Prime Minister’s Visit to Moscow**
The Czech government has criticized Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico for visiting Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow. The visit was made on December 22, just days after Kyiv announced it would not extend a deal that allowed Russia to transport gas through Ukraine.
Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky said the Czech government’s decision to stop relying on Russian energy means “we don’t have to grovel before a mass murderer.” This statement was likely aimed at Fico and other EU leaders who have been criticized for their close ties with Putin.
**Pro-Russian Leaders Criticized**
Fico and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban have consistently spoken out against Western support for Ukraine. They have also made statements that echo pro-Russian talking points. Hungary and Slovakia are among the top European buyers of Russian fossil fuels.
Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda condemned Fico’s visit, saying it was “not Lithuania’s way.” He added that his country chooses energy independence and real market prices without political strings attached.
**Ukraine Reacts**
The Ukrainian government has also responded to Fico’s visit. Oleksandr Fedienko, head of the parliamentary subcommittee on cybersecurity, said hackers could have used phishing or bribed employees to break into Justice Ministry registries during a Russian cyberattack last week.
In addition, Ukraine’s Air Force reported shooting down 52 attack drones, including Shahed-type drones, that Russia launched against the country overnight. The reports come as another hit to efforts by Ukraine and the West to isolate Putin on the international scene.
**Other News**
* A large-scale fire broke out at a Shahed drone warehouse in Russia’s Tatarstan, destroying parts worth $16 million.
* North Korea is preparing to deploy additional troops and weapons, including kamikaze drones, to aid Russia in its war against Ukraine.
* BMW discovered irregularities that allowed cars to be transferred to Russia from its branch in Hanover.
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