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EU-Ukraine free trade zone to come into force temporarily from January 1 — Mogherini

The move will confirm adherence to political backing to Ukraine and the reform process in the country

EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic

EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini

© AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic

BRUSSELS, December 7. /TASS/. The free trade zone between the European Union (EU) and Ukraine will temporarily come into force from January 1, 2016, the EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini said after the meeting of the EU-Ukraine Association Council on Monday.

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The EU-Ukraine free trade zone will temporarily come into force from January 1, she said, adding that the move will confirm adherence to political backing to Ukraine and the reform process in the country.

At the same time, Commissioner for European Neighborhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations Johannes Hahn said the European Commission (EC) was ready to discuss complications that may arise when the agreement comes into force, with all sides, adding though that the EC has already provided 55 mln euro to Ukraine for adjustment of small and medium sized enterprises to the shift to free trade.

Earlier Ukraine’s media reported that Kiev has repeatedly asked the European Union for financial aid for easing negative consequences for the economy from the shift to free trade with the EU.

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Ukraine crisis Ukraine-EU Association Agreement

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Russia maintains position on 'buffer zone' in Ukraine to counter missile threats

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"Washington’s plan is sickeningly simple, as it means dragging everyone under the pretext of ‘peace intentions’ to an empty gathering, while bolstering Zelensky’s terrorist potential," Maria Zakharova said

AUKUS expansion to turn Asia-Pacific region into 'nuclear minefield' — news agency

According to the report, "the danger of Japan's participation in AUKUS is making the whole international community tense, not to mention the regional countries"

China vows decisive response to US move to deploy intermediate missiles in Asia-Pacific

The Chinese Defense Ministry spokesperson stressed that "US steps are posing a major threat to security and stability of regional players"

Ukraine could send special forces to capture Zaporozhye NPP — politician

According to Vladimir Rogov, the Ukrainian troops are holding drills to cross the Dnieper from the right bank to the left bank and capture a large industrial site

Transfer of US ATACMS missiles to Ukraine cannot be justified — Russian ambassador

"Neither these missiles nor other weapons can help defeat the Russian Federation," Anatoly Antonov said

Russia vetoes US-backed UNSC resolution on banning nuclear weapons in outer space

The resolution gained 13 votes

US stops hiding true purpose of sanctions on Moscow, Russian envoy says

"It’s not about any mythical aspirations to resolve the conflict in Ukraine, but about banal opportunistic and predatory ambitions," Anatoly Antonov said

US waging hybrid war against Serbs to snuff them out for good — Republika Srpska head

"Republika Srpska comes under direct pressure and under constant US sanctions; and we are looking for ways to solve this problem," Milorad Dodik said

Modern weapons make up 82% in Russian air defense troops — Shoigu

"The Kiev regime has failed to achieve the goals of its counteroffensive prepared by NATO instructors," the defense minister said

Ukrainian troops in Kharkov Region lift antennas with kites to get better signal

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13 violations by US-led international coalition’s aircraft recorded in Syria

According to Major General Yury Popov, nine violations of the deconfliction protocols of December 9, 2019

Russia ready to cooperate with all interested partners to ensure security — Putin

The Russian leader expressed confidence that the the 12th International Meeting of High Representatives for Security Issues "will bolster cooperation for the mutual benefit of our countries and peoples"

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West prepares puppet structures in case of coup in Belarus — KGB

Ivan Tertel said various methods were being considered, up to "instigating a forceful seizure by illegal armed groups" being trained in the West and Ukraine

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IN BRIEF: Russian deputy defense minister, entrepreneur arrested for taking bribes

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Russian defense minister dismisses his deputy Ivanov

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Ukraine exhausted, needs constant money flow from outside — defense official

Apty Alaudinov added that if the Ukrainian army received long-range weapons, it might try to attack Russia's civilian infrastructure due to its powerlessness on the front

Lukashenko sees Ukraine conflict posing risks to Belarus

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US effectively dooms Ukraine by its new decisions, Russian envoy says

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West bends sanctions rules when it suits them — Kremlin

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Russian Foreign Ministry denies report of consular services ban abroad

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Press review: NATO flexes muscles near Russian border and South China Sea runs hot

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Dust from Sahara turns rain in Ukraine yellow

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Europe should be prepared to build relations with Russia post-Ukraine conflict — Macron

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Belarusian KGB reports thwarting attempted drone strikes on Minsk from Lithuania

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Russian tourists flock to North Korea — embassy

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US arms supplies unable to change situation in Kiev's favor — Kremlin

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