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Counterterrorism operation starts in downtown Kiev

Protesters called on women and children to leave the scene

© EPA/IGOR KOVALENKO

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Violent protests in Kiev bring casualties

There are a few fires on Maidan.

Protesters earlier called on women and children to leave the scene immediately.

Batkivshchina opposition party leader Arseny Yatsenyuk has asked Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovich for truce until morning.

Ukrainian news agency Unian reported citing the Interior Ministry that 8 people had been killed in clashes.

The Canadian embassy was attacked, a senior Ukrainian Interior Ministry investigator told Itar-Tass.

Seventy-one riot participants turned to Kiev medical institutions for help today, with 59 hospitalized.

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Canadian embassy in Kiev comes under attack

Prime Minister Nikolai Azarov resigned on January 28, and the Ukrainian leadership also decided to pardon participants of riots on the condition protesters vacated state and local power institutions they seized within 15 days. The initial reaction of opposition leaders to the amnesty law that entered into force February 2 was defiant and skeptical.

A new wave of riots occurred in Kiev on Tuesday, and Svoboda opposition party leader Oleg Tyagnibok said it was caused by failure to agree on a constitutional reform cutting presidential powers.

Meanwhile, Kiev’s police reported Tuesday that the building of the city state administration had been seized again by protesters who threw Molotov cocktails. Earlier, protesters held the building for over 2.5 months, but vacated it on February 16 to observe the amnesty law adopted by the authorities.

Protesters had time until February 17 to vacate seized state and local power institutions, unblock Grushevskogo Street in downtown Kiev and other streets and squares across the country except those where peaceful protest rallies were being held.

The head of the Kiev city state administration, Vladimir Makeyenko, urged people to “abstain from visiting the city center” due to protests in an emergency television address to Kiev residents. He also called on politicians to avoid confrontation.

Motor traffic on roads in Kiev has been restricted.

The US ambassador in Kiev, Geoffrey Payatt, warned the Ukrainian conflicting sides that those who use violence may face US sanctions. German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier did not rule out sanctions either, saying Europe could “review its previous restraint.”

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon called on the Ukrainian conflicting sides to stop violence and resume dialogue aimed at working out a solution to the crisis as soon as possible.

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Russia 'making gains' along entire frontline, NATO chief says

Mark Rutte once again called on NATO countries to increase weapons supplies to Kiev

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

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

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

Syrian forces push militants back from city of Hama — newspaper

According to the report, terrorist positions and routes are under fire, several militants have been wiped out and their military equipment has been destroyed

EU pressures Chisinau to prosecute opposition leaders — SVR

"Information obtained by the SVR reveals that the EU is increasingly treating Moldova as its vassal," the statement reads

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

South Korean president declares emergency martial law — Yonhap

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

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

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

The interview is "absolutely fascinating," the journalist said

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

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

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

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

Russia traps Ukrainian forces at Kurakhovo pipe plant — security services

The report clarified that the Ukrainian armed forces in this frontline area are being pressured by Russian troops from the north, south, and east

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

Oreshnik becomes serious problem for Ukraine — Polish general

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

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

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

Iraq sends tank units to reinforce border with Syria

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

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"

Europe quietly prepares for World War III — Newsweek

Europe’s preparation for war with Russia is visible through increased defense spending in certain countries, the article says

CSTO to hold drills in Belarus, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan in 2025 — bloc’s chief

"I should also note that the Kyrgyz Defense Ministry takes a very responsible approach towards holding such drills and I am deeply convinced that the exercises which will run on the territory of Kyrgyzstan in 2025 will also be held at a very high organizational level," Imangali Tasmagambetov said

NATO infrastructure near Russia’s borders could lead to any scenario, says CSTO chief

Imangali Tasmagambetov pointed out that NATO’s attempt to invade Russia and Belarus would be sheer foolishness

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

Press review: South Korean crisis deepens as Kremlin rules out talks with Kiev

Top stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, December 4th

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

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

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

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 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

Bank of Russia assumes possibility of key rate lifting in December

The 15th VTB Russia Calling! Investment Forum is being held on December 4-5 in Moscow. TASS is the information partner of the forum

Russian army captures soldiers of Ukrainian presidential brigade

The POWs are currently being kept safe and are receiving all necessary assistance

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 must restore relations with Russia to end Ukraine conflict — expert

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

Syrian defense ministry refutes claims about militants infiltrating two Hama neighborhoods

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

South Korea’s defense minister apologizes to citizens, resigns — media

According to media reports, it was Kim Yong Hyun who advised the president to impose martial law

Escalation in Syria clearly involves Ukrainians — Foreign Ministry

Maria Zakharova ighlighted reports suggesting that the Kiev regime's security services are collaborating with terrorists, supplying them with drones and sharing expertise in their use

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

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

Bank of Korea to hold urgent meeting — Yonhap

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

Swiss court to review Nord Stream 2 operator’s debt

The bankruptcy procedure for Nord Stream 2 AG has been renewed until January 2025. Transliq AG remains the temporary administrative receiver

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

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"

Georgian ruling party leader Garibashvili quits his party — TV

No further details were provided

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

Deputy head of Iranian supreme leader’s office arrives in Moscow — embassy

During his brief visit to Russia, Qomi is expected to hold meetings with Russian religious leaders and Iranian students

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 Navy, Aerospace Forces launch precision missiles in Mediterranean drills

All the designated targets were engaged by direct hits

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

Lavrov speaks about situation in Ukraine, region’s future in interview with US journalist

"The interview will be released in the coming days," Maria Zakharova added

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

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

The ruling party and the opposition condemned this decision

‘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"

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

According to preliminary reports, there were no casualties or damage

IN BRIEF: What is known about the situation in South Korea

Earlier, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol announced the imposition of martial law

Ukraine to make concessions to Russia under Trump’s plan — agency

It is reported that the US president-elect has yet to establish a working group to develop a peace plan for Ukraine

Russian Finance Ministry to offer 13 issues of substituting sovereign Eurobonds

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

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

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

Military instruction pays special attention to servicemen’s individual training

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

Ukraine leaves first line of defense due to risk of encirclement of Nadiya in LPR — expert

Andrey Marochko noted that the enemy units have begun to rapidly reinforce their positions near the Pershotravnevoye-Raigorodka motor road

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 FPV drone team destroys Ukrainian tank in Kharkov area

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

Telecommunications cable between Sweden, Finland disrupted, newspaper reports

According to the report, it was a submarine internet cable

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

Initiators of South Korean martial law fail to subjugate whole army — TV channel

According to the report, Defense Minister Kim Yong Hyun proposed the idea to President Yoon Suk Yeol

Russia develops new-generation Kedr strategic missiles system

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

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

Russians to receive a record $66.7 bln in 2024 — VTB

The tax on gains from deposit interest will remain at the level of 13-15%, Dmitry Breitenbikher noted

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

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

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"

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 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

South Korean police toughen security outside presidential office, defense ministry

Hundreds of citizens are still protesting outside the parliament building

Russian emergencies ministry’s plane delivers 28 tons of aid for Afghanistan residents

"The ministry’s special flight delivered the fifth batch of humanitarian aid for the population of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan," the ministry’s press service 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

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

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

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

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

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"

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

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

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

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

Ukrainian army to draft all men soon, officer warns

It is reported that employees of recruitment centers are being reassigned to army positions at the home front

Trump reportedly has three plans for Ukraine, one drafted by VP-elect Vance — Reuters

According to the report, alongside Vance's plan, Donald Trump is reviewing settlement proposals from Keith Kellogg, whom he proposed as his assistant and special envoy for Ukraine and Russia