Czech news in brief for December 28: Sunday's top afternoon headlines

The death of French film icon Brigitte Bardot at the age of 91 has prompted reactions from Czech cultural figures and politicians, who recalled her as a symbol of beauty, freedom, and artistic independence. Actors highlighted her decision to leave cinema early, while Prime Minister Andrej Babiš described her as one of the last legends of French cinema’s golden era; Culture Minister Ota Klempíř also noted her later public activism and sometimes controversial views on migration.

Meteorologists have issued a low-level warning for icy conditions across the Czech Republic from Sunday evening through Monday morning. Hoarfrost and freezing fog may create slippery roads, particularly in shaded areas. Temperatures are expected to fall below freezing overnight, with daytime highs of up to four degrees Celsius. Drivers are urged to exercise caution due to increased risk of skidding.

Prague will again welcome the New Year without fireworks or video mapping, instead offering discounted entry to city-run attractions, City Hall said. Reduced admission will apply to the zoo, botanical garden, selected museums, and the Petřín Lookout Tower. The move continues a ban on fireworks in central Prague introduced for safety and environmental reasons. Discounts will be available through early January.

Bird flu has been confirmed at another poultry farm in Habry, affecting around 30,000 laying hens, the State Veterinary Administration said. The outbreak follows a nearby case last week and is the eleventh in commercial farming this year. All poultry at the farm will be culled. Protection and surveillance zones remain in place, restricting poultry movement and banning high-risk events. Authorities say they are monitoring nearby farms for further signs of infection.

The security situation in Ukraine remains tense heading into the end of the year, with no major breakthrough expected, Czech analysts told the media today. Russia retains the initiative on the battlefield, though territorial gains are slow and costly. Fighting remains concentrated in eastern Ukraine, particularly the Donbass. Experts say Ukraine is on the defensive and warn that Russia may intensify attacks on civilian targets rather than launch a large-scale offensive.