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Middle East conflict

Israel eliminates Hezbollah commander near Damascus

Earlier, a source in the police department of Damascus reported that "a car was blown up on the highway leading to the airport in an act of Israeli aggression"

BEIRUT, December 3. /TASS/. A military commander of the Shia Hezbollah movement in Syria has been eliminated in an Israeli airstrike on a car just outside Damascus, Sky News Arabia reported.

According to the agency, the incident occurred on the highway leading to the Syrian capital’s international airport near an overpass in the Aqraba area. Following the hit, the car caught fire, killing the commander.

Earlier, a source in the police department of Damascus reported that "a car was blown up on the highway leading to the airport in an act of Israeli aggression."

On November 14, an airstrike on the Mazzeh municipality in Damascus killed two commanders of the radical Palestinian Islamic Jihad group. More than 20 other people died in the strike too, with several civilians among them.

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

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 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

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

The ruling party and the opposition condemned this decision

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dollar losing appeal as reserve currency, Kremlin reiterates

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 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

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

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

Asteroid safely passes over Yakutia — emergencies ministry

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

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

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

The interview is "absolutely fascinating," the journalist 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

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 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Russian FPV drone team destroys Ukrainian tank in Kharkov area

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

South Korean president declares emergency martial law — Yonhap

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

South Korean police toughen security outside presidential office, defense ministry

Hundreds of citizens are still protesting outside the parliament building

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

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

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

Troops enter South Korean parliamentary building through windows — TV

It is reported that the military managed to enter using windows

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Georgian ruling party leader Garibashvili quits his party — TV

No further details were provided

Russian Finance Ministry to offer 13 issues of substituting sovereign Eurobonds

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

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

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

Military instruction pays special attention to servicemen’s individual training

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"

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

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

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

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

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"

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

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

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

Russian Finance Ministry to hold federal loan bonds auctions on December 4

Bids for the auctions can be submitted via the Moscow Exchange or the St. Petersburg Currency Exchange

Bank of Korea to hold urgent meeting — Yonhap

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

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"

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

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

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"

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

Telecommunications cable between Sweden, Finland disrupted, newspaper reports

According to the report, it was a submarine internet cable

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

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

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

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

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

Oreshnik becomes serious problem for Ukraine — Polish general

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

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

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

Russian Navy, Aerospace Forces launch precision missiles in Mediterranean drills

All the designated targets were engaged by direct hits

Georgian Interior Ministry says 143 policemen suffered injuries over 5 days of protests

A new wave of rallies in Georgia started on November 28

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

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 must restore relations with Russia to end Ukraine conflict — expert

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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"

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

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 defense ministry refutes claims about militants infiltrating two Hama neighborhoods

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

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

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

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

Russia develops new-generation Kedr strategic missiles system

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

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