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New Year & Christmas

Countdown to joy: Russians to revel in 10-day New Year vacation

Because January 6 and 7 also fall on a weekend, citizens will get an extra two days off in 2024, on May 10 (Friday) and December 31 (Tuesday) 2024

MOSCOW, December 30. /TASS/. According to the government-approved working calendar, Russians will get 10 days off for the New Year, from December 30 to January 8.

Since December 30 and 31 are on a Saturday and Sunday this year, the New Year holidays will be longer than usual, ten days. They will begin on December 30, 2023 and end on January 8, 2024.

Because January 6 and 7 also fall on a weekend, citizens will get an extra two days off in 2024, on May 10 (Friday) and December 31 (Tuesday) 2024.

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New Year & Christmas

Poll reveals majority of Russians use AI in their daily lives

Among Gen Z and younger millennials, the percentage of those using AI reaches 86-87%

Downed drone falls at kindergarten in Russia’s Rostov Region

"Fortunately, no children, parents, or employees were injured," Yury Slyusar said

US seeks over $3.4 mln confiscation from recording studio allegedly connected to Deripaska

According to the US Department of Justice, the current issue is about the recording studio Ocean Studios California LLC, located in the US state of California

Israel fueling terrorism in Muslim world, Iran's president says

Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani pointed out that "the situation in Syria once again proves that stability and security in Syria can only be achieved through dialogue and a political solution"

UN doesn’t encourage further escalation of Ukraine conflict — spokesman

Stephane Dujarric was commenting on a statement by EU diplomat Kaja Kallas, who said it was necessary to maintain unlimited European support for Kiev

Putin remains open to dialogue with Scholz, ongoing communication crucial — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov underlined that there is always a point in continuing and resuming contacts

No consensus in NATO on Ukraine’s accession to alliance for now — diplomats

On November 29, Reuters reported that Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrey Sibiga called on NATO to invite the country to become a member state at the December 3-4 ministerial meeting in Brussels, without waiting for the conflict to end

Georgian ruling party leader Garibashvili quits his party — TV

No further details were provided

Russian ombudsman publishes list of 630 POWs Kiev refuses to take back

Tatyana Moskalkova pointed out that these POWs have been in Russian captivity for over one year

West has been working on 'security for territories' deal for Ukraine for 1.5 years — WSJ

On November 29, Vladimir Zelensky said in an interview with Sky News that the hot phase of the conflict could end if Ukrainian territories that remain under Kiev’s control are put under a NATO "umbrella"

Peace efforts in Ukraine must be ramped up amid escalation risks — top Hungarian diplomat

"The last 1,000 days have shown that this war cannot be resolved on the battlefield," Peter Szijjarto said

South Korean president declares emergency martial law — Yonhap

In turn, the South Korean opposition has called a meeting of its delegates

Zelensky says Ukraine tested new types of missiles

The Ukrainian president did not specify what types of missiles he was referring to, at what stage the tests were, or how successful they were

FACTBOX: What to know about rupture of telecom cable between Sweden, Finland

The newspaper said the Global Connect fiber optic network suffered a massive failure in Finland

Syrian jets destroy terrorist headquarters in Idlib, kill dozens of militants — report

According to the report, "dozens of militants were killed and wounded," including one of their leaders of Arab descent

Trump’s former security aide sees 'no easy way out' of Ukraine conflict

According to John Bolton, Donald Trump "is actually seeking to put an end" to the conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine as soon as possible even as he "is not very much concerned about exactly how they will end"

Settlement of Nadiya in LPR up for grabs as Kiev retreats — Russian expert

Andrey Marochko noted that the Ukrainian army was fighting with all its might to beat back Russian forces near the settlement of Belogorovka, hoping to prevent them from making gains and increasing Russia’s pressure on the northern section of the frontline

Syrian government army liberates several neighborhoods in Hama — agency

According to the news agency SANA, government forces regained control over the towns of Karnaz, Tal Meleh, Jalma, Jubbayn, Hayalin, and Sheikh Hadid

Authorities order evacuation from 180 settlements in Ukraine Sumy Region — official

According to Vladimir Artyukh, three evacuation waves have taken place in the Sumy Region since February 2022

Georgian authorities won’t allow Ukraine-style scenario — ruling party

According to Kakha Kaladze, the Georgian authorities will preserve peace, economic development and enter the EU with honor

Putin postpones World Friendship Games indefinitely

The World Friendship Games were supposed to take place in Moscow and Yekaterinburg between September 15 and 19 this year in Moscow and Yekaterinburg

Strategic defeat would mean destruction for Russia, Putin says

The head of state thanked the troops participating in Russia’s special military operation for rising up to defend the country this time

Pezeshkian tells Putin destabilization in Syria serves Israeli, US interests

The Iranian President highly praised the role that Russia and its leader play in maintaining peace and stability in the Middle East, for example in preserving the territorial integrity of Syria

Putin praises pace of import substitution in scientific sector

The President stressed that Russia is not going to give up all imported scientific equipment, but key technologies must be domestic

Syrian ministry says terrorists suffered heavy losses of troops, equipment in Hama

Syrian and Russian military aircraft acted in cooperation

Ukraine has lost its chance for NATO membership, a ‘normal’ peace treaty with Russia — MP

"Such things are done from a strong position. Now, Zelensky has led the country to a state where such a position has been lost, regrettably," the Ukrainian lawmaker said

US President-elect Trump set to travel to France for Notre Dame Cathedral reopening

President-elect Trump’s visit to Paris will be his first foreign trip since winning the US presidential election

Beijing to continue boosting cooperation with BRICS — MFA on Trump’s threats of duties

The alliance "does not deal with bloc confrontation," and cooperation within it is not aimed against other countries, Lin Jian said

Trump must restore relations with Russia to end Ukraine conflict — expert

Alexander Dynkin described the "the first minimal but extremely necessary steps" for Washington

Lavrov dismisses West's ceasefire idea: 'not a path to peace'

According to the top Russian diplomat, Moscow is ready for an honest discussion

Kurdish units, US troops shell areas east of the Euphrates — radio

According to the radio station, no information about casualties has been made available as of yet

Georgian mercenary hit with criminal charges, POWs: situation in Kursk Region

Strikes by operational-tactical aircraft and artillery fire hit enemy manpower and hardware in the Kursk and Sumy regions

Supplying arms to Ukraine may be risky for EU, say diplomats

Politico points out that discussions regarding the potential application of "the Israel model" originated from the rejection of the idea of swift NATO membership for Kiev by various countries, including Germany

Won plunges amid martial law triggered in South Korea

The national currency dropped to 1,430 Won per dollar from 1,403 Won according to the previous trading session data

Press review: Ukrainian trace behind militants in Syria as protests in Georgia radicalize

Top stories from the Russian press on Monday, December 2nd

Russian troops liberate two communities in Donbass area, Zaporozhye Region over past day

Russia’s Battlegroup South inflicted roughly 370 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed an enemy ammunition depot over the past day, the ministry reported

Houthis say they attacked US destroyer, three support vessels in Arabian Sea

According to Sarea, coming under the attack were the Stena Impeccable tanker, the Maersk Saratoga container vessel, and the Liberty Grace bulk carrier

Kiev requests $120 billion from its Western allies for military operations in 2025

The source also noted that Ukraine will not receive any official invitation from NATO in the near future, since its foreign ministers cannot recommend it before an agreement is reached between heads of government

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Trump tells Trudeau Canada to become 51st US state if it doesn’t stop migration

According to media, the comment prompted the Canadian delegation, including the prime minister, to "laugh nervously"

US military activates communication channel with Russia on Syria developments — Pentagon

"I won't go into details about those conversations other than we have that communication mechanism to prevent potential miscalculation," Pentagon Spokesman Patrick Ryder said

Ukrainian captives, losses: situation in Kursk Region

Over the past day, the Ukrainian army lost more than 250 troops, a tank, an infantry fighting vehicle, two armored combat vehicles, two cars and four mortars

Georgian president will have to resign despite rejection — PM

On Saturday, Zourabichvili said that she would not resign despite the expiration of her mandate because the parliament is "illegitimate."

Russian forces maintain initiative, block Ukraine from gaining foothold in DPR — official

Denis Pushilin noted that Russian forces are also steadily advancing in the Krasny Liman area in the north of the region

Ukrainians flee from Kiev regime to regions reunited with Russia — politician

The process, which can today be confidently called the reunification of the Ukrainian people with Russia, began after the 2014 coup, Viktor Medvedchuk stressed

Oreshnik missile proves all of Ukraine within Russia’s weapons reach — expert

Ou Si-Fu stated that the purpose of using the latest system was to "demonstrate the capabilities of new types of offensive weapons, which the Ukrainian side cannot counter, and that the whole of Ukraine is within Russia's strike range"

Russia ready to consider Ukraine proposals based on sincere desire for peace — Lavrov

According to the minister, Russia's position is based on the will of the people who found themselves in the area of hostilities "after the Kiev regime declared them terrorists"

Zelensky acknowledges Ukrainian army’s inability to reclaim lost territories

The Ukrainian president added that the conflict in Ukraine had entered "a difficult phase."

NATO spies study damage from Oreshnik at Yuzhmash — expert

Alexander Stepanov emphasized that both Kiev and its Western allies are closely scrutinizing the consequences of the strike on the plant

Europe mulls deployment of troops to Ukraine to monitor ceasefire

US President-elect Donald Trump vowed during his election campaign that he would bring peace to Ukraine within 24 hours; however, he did not explain how he planned to do that

Nearly third of those identified at protests in Tbilisi are foreigners — ruling party

The current wave of protests was sparked by Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze's statement on November 28 when he said that the ruling Georgian Dream - Democratic Georgia party had decided to postpone any talk about launching accession negotiations until late 2028 and decline any funding from the European Union

Russia blocks US-drafted UNSC agenda for December over meeting on Ukraine

The United States took over the UN Security Council presidency on December 1

US attempts to fuel Ukraine conflict cannot change battlefield trends — Kremlin spokesman

Washington announced another $725 million military aid package for Ukraine on Monday

Russia has workforce shortage problem — Putin

The problem can be solved through implementation of new technologies, including the artificial intelligence sphere, the head of state noted

‘Desperation in the air’ — expert on Kallas’ statement on sending troops to Ukraine

According to Ralph Bosshard, "statements by leading European politicians will become more extreme as Ukraine’s defeat in the war draws nearer"

Syrian army with Russian air support destroys terrorists’ 5 command centers, 7 warehouses

The command expressed the readiness of "the Syrian army to continue coping with its tasks"

IN BRIEF: What is known about introduction of martial law in South Korea

The ruling party and the opposition condemned this decision

US, Germany oppose Ukraine's NATO accession fearing tougher confrontation with Russia

On December 3, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte confirmed at a press conference before a meeting of the bloc's foreign policy chiefs in Brussels that NATO was not considering inviting Ukraine to join the alliance, but only supplying weapons to Kiev

Dollar losing appeal as reserve currency, Kremlin reiterates

Dmitry Peskov stressed it’s not just with BRICS countries that this trend can be seen

Recent Putin-Scholz conversation positive thing even as Berlin supports Kiev — Kremlin

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Russian fishermen reel in record number of iwashi sardines in 2024 — Association

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Putin describes ban on Russia’s use of US dollars as ‘complete foolishness’

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Telecommunications cable between Sweden, Finland disrupted, newspaper reports

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Trump’s foreign policy agenda to be constrained due to divisions in society — expert

Alexander Dynkin noted that interventions by previous US administrations in Iraq, Syria, Libya and Afghanistan are still fresh in the memory of the American public

Transneft expects first oil deliveries by rail in Kozmino Port by end of year

Transneft - Kozmino Port de-mothballed two railroad discharge racks for four tracks with an option of emptying 144 railtank cars at a time

Japan's prime minister confirms his country's claim to four Kuril Islands

Responding to questions in the Japanese parliament, Shigeru Ishiba said that "the issue of ownership of the four islands is central to negotiations on a peace treaty with Russia"

US to ship $725 mln worth of weapons to Ukraine, including anti-personnel landmines

According to the report, the aid package will also include anti-drone systems and HIMARS munitions

Russia, Turkey, Iran, Qatar may discuss Syrian developments on sidelines of Doha Forum

High-ranking officials will hold talks about the situation

Troops enter South Korean parliamentary building through windows — TV

It is reported that the military managed to enter using windows

US president's son above the law with his father's pardon, celebrity entrepreneur believes

Earlier, Musk pointed out that Biden's pardon of his son coincided with the period of Hunter's work at the Ukrainian energy company Burisma and ironically called it a coincidence

Ukraine continues to sabotage prisoner exchange — Russian diplomat

"The problem is that they do not take back their own people," Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova added

Trump's threats to BRICS will force them to search for alternatives to dollar — expert

Jacques Sapir believes that if Trump makes good on his threat to raise import tariffs on these countries to 100%, such a move would lead to a doubling of the prices of medicines, consumer electronics and fertilizers in the United States

German company Helsing launches production of AI-equipped drones for deliveries to Kiev

As the company notes, advanced on-board AI enables full electronic warfare and jamming resistance, capabilities developed and tested through Helsing’s extensive experience in Ukraine

Russian forces strike Ukrainian military airfields, UAV control posts over past day

Russia’s Battlegroup West inflicted roughly 490 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed four enemy ammunition depots in its area of responsibility over the past day, the Defense Ministry reported

Ukrainian army fires over 70 projectiles at Russia’s Belgorod Region in past day

"A civilian suffered injuries in a drone attack on a car in Kolotilovka," Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov said

No plans to hold Putin-Erdogan call over developments in Syria — spokesman

The two leaders' previous phone call was held on November 24

Iranian president to meet with Putin to discuss Syria crisis

Masoud Pezeshkian said in a phone call with Putin on December 2 that the current rise in terrorist activities in Syria was part of a dangerous plan developed by Israel and the US in order to create instability in the Middle East

Russian troops break through Ukrainian defenses near Kupyansk, says military expert

The Ukrainian military is attempting to regain control of the road section, which is important in terms of logistics, Andrey Marochko noted

Oreshnik becomes serious problem for Ukraine — Polish general

According to Waldemar Skrzypczak, satellite reconnaissance failed to detect the launch and flight of this missile

Russian MFA accuses US justice system of covering up Biden-Ukraine corruption link

Maria Zakharova pointed out that "the US judiciary didn't dare address" the corruption network established during Barack Obama’s presidency, where millions of dollars changed hands

Putin points to mass human rights violations, persecution of Church in Ukraine

The Russian president emphasized that an increasing number of people around the world were coming to understand the true causes of the conflict in Ukraine, unleashed by the Western elites, as well as the fact there is no excuse for crimes against civilians, ethnic and religious cleansings, terrorist attacks and punitive actions by neo-Nazis

EU diplomacy chief sees Putin's global reach expanding

Kaja Kallas took up her post as the new EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy on December 1

Tokyo to push for renewing visits to Southern Kuril Islands — Prime Minister

Earlier, during parliamentary debates, Ishiba reiterated the government's claims to the southern part of the Kurils, which Tokyo calls the "four northern islands"

Syrian army repels Kurdish attack in Deir ez-Zor jointly with militias

On November 27, the Jabhat al-Nusra extremist group and its allies carried out a large-scale attack in Aleppo and other localities in northern Syria protected by government troops

Russian FPV drone team destroys Ukrainian tank in Kharkov area

Live-recording images showed the combat drone accurately hitting the Ukrainian tank, it said

Ukraine may make territorial concessions to achieve peace — former NATO secretary general

"However, actually we do not see that this can be realized in the near future," Jens Stoltenberg noted

Siberian cat Putin gave as a gift to governor of Akita Prefecture in 2012 dies in Japan

Over the 12 years of his life, Mir was treated like a member of Norihisa Satake's family

US sees no need of troops redeployment after recent militants’ attacks in Syria — Pentagon

On November 30, the Syrian armed forces’ command stated that the army was conducting strikes on the positions of terrorists who had infiltrated many neighborhoods in the city of Aleppo and was awaiting reinforcements

Brazilian MFA dismisses Trump’s threats of 100% duties on goods from BRICS countries — TV

The future head of the White House would be wise to take the current state of the global economy into account, unnamed Brazilian diplomats believe, according to the publication

Press review: Scholz's first visit to Kiev in a while as Biden pardons son's crimes

Top stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, December 3rd

Trump warns about ‘all hell to pay’ if Gaza hostages not released before his inauguration

US President-elect also regretted that all the talk about hostages are not followed by any action

Syria downed Russia's plane because Israeli F-16s used it as cover — Russian top brass

The bombing raid was not far from France’s frigate The Auvergne

US first lady pressed Biden to pardon his son Hunter — TV

It is reported that Biden "was not sure" about his decision, suggesting Jill’s push may have played a decisive role

Thirteen more global brands to enter Russian market

The companies have confidentiality clauses when they make deals, so sparse details can be offered, including timelines for market entry, Marina Malakhatko said

Over 300,000 personnel undergo combat training for Ukraine operation — Russia’s top brass

Military instruction pays special attention to servicemen’s individual training

Russian politician sees Stoltenberg’s statements as Western attempt to fool Russia

"The West only talks about negotiations, peace or truce when it smells defeat," Russian Civic Chamber member Vladimir Rogov noted

No discussions of NATO invitation for Ukraine, only weapons supplies — bloc’s chief

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte reiterated that NATO allies agreed that "the future of Ukraine is in NATO"

Trump's threats to BRICS states if they ditch dollar are untenable, says Indian expert

The expert explained that, theoretically, a common BRICS currency could protect the group from the dangers of dollar dominance

Polish official expects high defection rate among Ukrainian troops trained in Poland

Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz admitted that he was concerned about the fact that a very small number of Ukrainian men currently residing in Poland had expressed a wish to receive military training and join the Ukrainian armed forces

IN BRIEF: How Russia responded to Kiev’s strikes deep into its territory

Here are the key points about the strikes on Ukrainian military-industrial facilities

Putin, Iranian president discuss situation in Syria

According to the Kremlin, unconditional support was expressed for the actions of the legitimate government in Syria to restore constitutional order and the country’s territorial integrity