Kaliningrad Nuclear Standoff: Russia warned NATO it will use its “entire arsenal,” including nuclear weapons, if Kaliningrad is isolated or blockaded; NATO chief Mark Rutte called it irresponsible nuclear rhetoric. Winter Strike Campaign: Russia’s drone-and-missile push hit Kyiv again, including a school and the Southern Bridge area, as Moscow claims large-scale targeting across Ukraine. UK Sanctions Push: The UK announced 31 new sanctions against Russia, targeting “shadow fleet” LNG vessels, disinformation networks, and people accused of torture and child indoctrination. PACE on Duma Legitimacy: The Council of Europe’s PACE declared the new Russian State Duma illegitimate, citing elections that failed free-and-fair conditions in occupied areas. Valdai Spotlight: Putin is set to address the Valdai Discussion Club, with Kremlin messaging focused on global order and security limits. Opposition Safety Warnings: Garry Kasparov says US and Lithuanian services warned him his life was in danger amid alleged Kremlin-linked plots against exiled dissidents. Latvia Election Mood: Reuters reports Latvia’s pro-Ukraine PM Andris Kulbergs is poised to stay in power as voters weigh security fears and hybrid threats. Ukraine Energy Pressure: Ukraine struck an oil facility in Russia’s Samara region and other sites, defying Trump’s calls to halt refinery attacks.