{{dayPoint.date | date : 'd MMMM yyyy'}}

{{newsPoint.title}}

{{newsPoint.title+ ' '}}

{{newsPoint.subtitle}}

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

ROME, December 3. /TASS/. Ukraine has informed its Western allies that it will need at least $120 billion to continue military operations in 2025, which is much more than the 40 billion euros agreed during the Washington NATO summit, a military source in the alliance told the Italian ANSA news agency.

According to the source, this matter may be addressed during the next meeting of the NATO-Ukraine Council, which is scheduled to take place on Tuesday in Brussels and will be attended by the Ukrainian foreign minister. Additionally, it is not yet clear whether Kiev considers the $50 billion in revenue from frozen Russian assets, which the Group of Seven (G7) agreed to allocate to Ukraine, to be part of the sum.

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. "Discussions are still ongoing, and there is no decision yet," ANSA quoted him as saying.

He said that sending NATO troops to Ukraine is not on the table, although some European capitals entertain this idea, without specifying which ones. According to the source, this is done as part of the "planning," as everyone knows that a ceasefire agreement will be reached, but in exchange for security guarantees to Kiev. "And this may take the form of troops on the ground, which would most likely be European," the media outlet quoted him as saying.

Earlier, Kaja Kallas, the EU’s new High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and former Estonian prime minister, did not rule out the possibility of deploying European military personnel in Ukraine. In particular, she mentioned a mission to monitor the ceasefire.

French President Emmanuel Macron said on February 26 that at a meeting in Paris attended by representatives of about 20 Western countries, the issue of the possible deployment of Western ground forces in Ukraine was raised. According to him, the participants of the meeting did not reach a consensus on this issue, but such a scenario cannot be ruled out in the future. Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that the appearance of foreign military contingents in Ukraine would have extremely negative and even irreparable consequences.

Tags

Top German diplomat says Berlin could send peacekeepers to Ukraine — agency

Annalena Baerbock also believes that along with security guarantees for Ukraine in the form of NATO membership, "international presence aimed at ensuring a ceasefire" could be considered

Syrian government forces counterattacking southeast of Aleppo

According to the source, government troops have advanced along the Atraya-Aleppo highway and approached the town of Khanasir, which was seized by Jabhat al-Nusra militants

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

World is now closer to nuclear war than ever before — US journalist Carlson

No one in Washington "is working to make sure that this conflict doesn’t become a nuclear holocaust," the journalist said

FACTBOX: What we know about situation in Abkhazia

On November 28, members of the Abkhazian parliament adopted a resolution on setting an early presidential election for February 15, 2025

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

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

Security of BRICS countries requires combining scientific potential — expert

Vladimir Ivanov emphasized that such a single scientific and technological space will not require the investment of additional financial resources

Russia strongly condemns terrorist incursion in Syria — envoy to UN

Vasily Nebenzya said that the Syrian military, with support from Russia and other allies operating at the request of the legitimate Syrian authorities, is repelling the militants

Top German diplomat says Berlin could send peacekeepers to Ukraine — agency

Annalena Baerbock also believes that along with security guarantees for Ukraine in the form of NATO membership, "international presence aimed at ensuring a ceasefire" could be considered

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

South Korea’s national security adviser resigns — Yonhap

Earlier, the agency reported that senior administration officials - including advisers and presidential secretariat staffers - started to resign in the wake of the president’s decision to impose martial law

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

Air defenses jam two Ukrainian drones in Russia’s Kaluga Region

According to preliminary reports, there were no casualties or damage

Senior Georgian lawmaker denies reports saying ruling party's leader left party

The opposition television channel said earlier in the day, citing its sources, that Irakli Garibashvili was leaving the "Georgian Dream - Democratic Georgia"

Russia stays in touch with its Astana format partners on Syria — envoy to UN

"Stabilization ‘on the ground’ and the restoration of lasting peace and security in the SAR is only possible by ending the illegal foreign military presence," Vasily Nebenzya said

Russian forces mopping up Stariye Terny community in Donbass region, says official

Vladimir Rogov said earlier that the liberation of that settlement would deny the Ukrainian army the possibility to relocate units directly between Solntsevka in the north and Kurakhovo

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

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

South Korean parliament speaker declares martial law invalid — report

"Martial law is no longer in effect," South Korean National Assembly Chairman Woo Won-shik stated

Iran’s senior military commander, Belousov discuss ways of countering terrorists in Syria

"Syria's neighbors should take the necessary measures to prevent terrorists from receiving external assistance," Lieutenant General Mohammad Bagheri said

Trump's attempts to stop de-dollarization by force risk backfiring — Bloomberg

According to the experts, such tactics are pushing countries to jointly seek alternatives to the dollar

Russian Navy, Aerospace Forces launch precision missiles in Mediterranean drills

All the designated targets were engaged by direct hits

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

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

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"

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

South Korean assets, currency fall as martial law declared in the country — Bloomberg

The South Korean won fell to a two-year low against the U.S. dollar

Russian FPV drone team destroys Ukrainian tank in Kharkov area

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

Moscow court fines Telegram $37,669 for violating content blocking rules

In October, the same court fined Telegram 4 million rubles for failing to remove a number of channels calling for separating the Urals from the rest of Russia

At least 200 terrorists eliminated in Syria in past day — Syrian army command

The Syrian army continues artillery and missile attacks on the militants’ positions, their headquarters and convoys in the northern part of the Hama governorate and in Idlib

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

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

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

BRICS’ role in establishment of new world order must grow — CSTO ex-Secretary General

According to Nikolay Bordyuzha, the political influence of BRICS must increase

Russia’s Ryabkov, Arab League Deputy Secretary General discuss Iranian nuclear program

"The sides had a spirited exchange of opinions about the situation concerning the implementation of the UN Security Council Resolution 2231 and the prospects of multilateral efforts on the settlement around the Iranian nuclear program," the Russian Foreign Ministry stated

US seeks to preserve its occupation of northeast Syria — Russia’s UN envoy

"The United States and its allies are using every opportunity to sow chaos in the country, applying sanctions to asphyxiate the country’s economy and supporting Idlib-based terrorists and the extremist underground in the SAR," Vasily Nebenzya said

South Korean president declares emergency martial law — Yonhap

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

US is going bankrupt fast — Elon Musk

US entrepreneur, along with entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswami, will head the newly created "Department of Government Efficiency" in Donald Trump’s administration

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

Military instruction pays special attention to servicemen’s individual training

Final section of gas pipeline linking Russia, China commissioned — Chinese operator

The Chinese part of the gas pipeline begins in the border town of Heihe in the northeastern province of Heilongjiang and runs from the north to the south, reaching Shanghai

Russian forces take control of LPR administrative border near Stelmakhovka — expert

Andrey Marochko said that in order to take full control of the LPR, Russian forces had to push Ukrainian troops out of five more settlements

Roscongress to hold SPIEF 2025 roadshow in Turkey

The appeal of the Foundation for foreign partners will be emphasized to Turkish partners at the meeting, as well as the Eastern Economic Forum and the Russian Tourist Forum, along with the capabilities of business and government institutions of Russia for bilateral interaction

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

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

US journalist Carlson says he arrived in Moscow for interview with Russia’s top diplomat

The interview is "absolutely fascinating," the journalist said

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

Bank of Korea to hold urgent meeting — Yonhap

All the top officials of the South Korean regulator will be in attendance

Three Hamas militants eliminated by Israeli strike on West Bank — IDF

An IAF aircraft struck vehicles in the Aqabah area in northern Samaria, the Israel Defense Forces said

Russia interested in opening direct air service with Pakistan

Plans to implement the test launch of container trains from Pakistan via the North-South international transport corridor were discussed in terms of the rail transport

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

The Russian president pointed out that this desision damaged the US economy and undermined the power of the United States across the world

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

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

Ukraine requests 20 more air defense systems from NATO ministers

Earlier, Kiev had repeatedly complained that Western countries had not provided the promised air defense systems

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

MEP says that Zelensky himself does not believe in military solution in Ukraine

In an interview with the Kyodo news agency, Zelensky admitted that the Ukrainian army was unable to retake the lost territories

South Korean police toughen security outside presidential office, defense ministry

Hundreds of citizens are still protesting outside the parliament building

Russia to be pillar of future Eurasian security system — ex-CSTO chief

It is reported that Russia should bring together states that can ensure stability in Eurasia and in the entire world along with it

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

Yoon Suk Yeol’s non-compliance with resolution lifting martial law to be deemed criminal

Chairman of the opposition Rebuilding Korea Party Cho Kuk urged to check the legitimacy of the South Korean leader’s actions when declaring martial law

Kremlin spokesman sees no grounds for Russia-Ukraine negotiations so far

Dmitry Peskov added that number of countries have already offered to host such talks, including Qatar

South Korea unpredictable, Pyongyang right to worry about its security — Russian diplomat

Maria Zakharova also pointed to the fate of former South Korean leaders: some were killed, overthrown, imprisoned, some committed suicide

Syrian defense ministry refutes claims about militants infiltrating two Hama neighborhoods

"Our armed forces are present on the city’s outskirts," the ministry added

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 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

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

NATO chief confirms alliance’s foreign ministers to discuss Russia’s Oreshnik missile

According to Mark Rutte, the use of this missile should "neither change the course of the conflict nor deter NATO allies from supporting Ukraine"

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

The ruling party and the opposition condemned this decision

Lavrov’s interview with Tucker Carlson turns out very interesting — Russian diplomat

According to Maria Zakharova, the interview is currently being translated and will be released in a couple of days

Kiev allows territorial concessions due to Ukraine's fatigue from conflict — media

Vladimir Zelensky said in an interview with Sky News on November 29 that the "hot phase" of the conflict could be concluded if Kiev-controlled territories were placed under the NATO umbrella

Troops enter South Korean parliamentary building through windows — TV

It is reported that the military managed to enter using windows

Russian MiG-31I jets with Kinzhal missiles take part in Mediterranean drills — top brass

The Russian Navy and Aerospace Forces are conducting their joint drills with the observance of international law and agreements with foreign states on the prevention of incidents at sea beyond the territorial waters and airspace above them, the ministry said

British military instructor captured, Ukrainian losses: situation in Kursk Region

In total, the enemy has lost more than 35,510 troops since the fighting began in the region

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

Iraq sends tank units to reinforce border with Syria

The spokesman Yahya Rasul denied reports alleging that some PMF units crossed into Syrian territory

‘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 troops regain control over several districts northeast of Hama

According to the report, pro-government forces managed to advance towards the outskirts of the town of Khanasir

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

South Korean government agrees to lift martial law — Yonhap

In a televised address, the President Yoon Suk Yeol pledged to support the corresponding ruling of the parliament

Russian Embassy in UK brands Starmer’s hints at talks on Ukraine as hypocritical

The Russian diplomatic mission stressed that "a genuine peace in Ukraine may be achieved exclusively by eradicating the crisis’ root causes, the shaping of which was greatly contributed to by the British and their allies

Extra security measures outside South Korean president’s administration cancelled

The situation in Seoul’s central areas - Yongsan District housing the presidential administration, as well as in the central Yeouido Island - was largely peaceful at night

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

Arab League to hold emergency meeting on Syria on December 8 — report

The ministerial-level meeting will take place at the request of Damascus, Sham FM radio said

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

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

Russian Finance Ministry to offer 13 issues of substituting sovereign Eurobonds

The Ministry will accept the first and the second offers on December 5

Moldova purchases around 80% of gas for heating season — Moldovagaz

Vadim Cheban noted that the price of the purchased volumes is already included in the existing tariff at the level of 9,300 lei ($512) per 1,000 cubic meters of gas

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

Asteroid safely passes over Yakutia — emergencies ministry

Residents of the Olekminsky and Lensky districts could observe a comet-like tail and flashes

Georgian ruling party leader Garibashvili quits his party — TV

No further details were provided

South Korean opposition initiates president’s impeachment — news agency

The vote on the bill should be held within 24 to 72 hours from the time of its consideration at a plenary session

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"

Oreshnik becomes serious problem for Ukraine — Polish general

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

US turned UN Security Council meeting on Syria into political farce — Russia’s UN mission

"Today, as a result of your awkward actions, we saw how a meeting on an extremely serious issue can be turned into a disgraceful political farce, by inviting a totally unsuitable speaker and playing into his hands," Dmitry Polyansky said

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"

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

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

Tucker Carlson says US embassy in Kiev barred Zelensky from doing interview with him

The journalist added that Vladimir Zelensky was permitted to have a conversation with CNN, but not with him

Telecommunications cable between Sweden, Finland disrupted, newspaper reports

According to the report, it was a submarine internet cable

South Korea’s largest trade union to go on indefinite strike until president resigns

Workers of South Korea’s biggest railway company KORAIL will also go on an indefinite strike on december 5

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"

South Korean opposition tells president to resign, threatens to impeach him — Kyodo

The Democratic Party, which controls 170 seats in the 300-seat parliament, threatened to impeach Yoon Suk Yeol otherwise

Russia develops new-generation Kedr strategic missiles system

According to the source, the project is currently undergoing the science and development phase

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