Ukraine Invasion: Part 52

[MagicFox]

Welcome to 52. Slava Ukraini 🇺🇦

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A. The agreed purpose of the thread is for the sharing of information and commentary on current events

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@LisaJohnsonsFacebookMole

WSJ - Setbacks for Russia, Iran and Hezbollah Turn Into a Catastrophe for Syria’s Assad
The loss of Aleppo to Islamist rebels represents a stunning defeat for the Syrian regime, highlighting its dependence on enfeebled allies

archive.is/DWOAU#selection-2171.0-2175.137

Indeed.

Gaddafi's grizzly end is a stark reminder to these despots of what happens when you don't get away in time.

Kyiv Independent Telegram Highlights

⚡️Syrian rebels take over Aleppo (kyivindependent.com/syrian-rebels-take-over-aleppo-as-russia-pledges-to-assist-assad-regime/) as Russia pledges to assist Assad regime.
Russia has promised Damascus additional military assistance that is expected to arrive in the next 72 hours, two sources in the Syrian military told Reuters.

⚡️Protests erupt across Georgia (kyivindependent.com/protests-erupt-across-georgia-in-defiance-of-governments-anti-eu-stance/)in defiance of government's anti-EU stance.
Protests have now spread from Tbilisi to Batumi, Zugdidi, Kutaisi, Telavi, Gurjaani, and other Georgian cities, sparked by the government's decision to postpone EU accession talks.

⚡️Trump has consulted Hungary's Orban on Ukraine war, (kyivindependent.com/trump-has-consulted-hungarys-orban-on-ukraine-war-sources-tell-rfe-rl/) sources tell RFE/RL.

⚡️US suspends (kyivindependent.com/us-suspends-strategic-partnership-with-georgia-amid-mass-protests/) strategic partnership with Georgia amid mass protests.

⚡️Almost 40% of Russians think nuclear strike on Ukraine is justified (kyivindependent.com/almost-40-of-russians-think-nuclear-strike-on-ukraine-is-justified-russian-sociologist-says/), Russian sociologist says.
Vladimir Putin's talks of a potential nuclear strike "gradually lead to an increase in the proportion of (Russians) who believe it is acceptable, in fact, morally justified," Russian sociologist Alexey Levinson said. [Hmm, I suppose that's the other side of the endless threats - to acclimatize his own population to the idea]

⚡️Putin approves Russia's budget (https://kyivindependent.com/putin-approves-russias-budget-with-record-spending-on-national-defense/) with record spending on national defense.
Spending on war and law enforcement agencies exceeds expenditures on education, healthcare, social policy, and the national economy combined.

⚡️Expert links drone sightings over military bases in UK to Russian, Chinese threats (https://kyivindependent.com/expert-links-drone-sightings-over-military-bases-in-uk-to-russian-chinese-threats-guardian-reports/), Guardian reports.

⚡️Ukraine destroys 3 more Russian radar systems in Crimea (kyivindependent.com/ukraine-destroys-three-more-russian-radar-systems-in-crimea-military-intelligence-claims/), military intelligence claims.
The radars include two 48Y6-K1 Podlet systems worth $5 million each and one Kasta-2E2 radar, estimated to cost around $30 million.

⚡️Construction of fortifications (kyivindependent.com/construction-of-fortifications-in-zaporizhzhia-nearly-complete-governor-says/) in Zaporizhzhia nearly complete, governor says.

⚡️War has caused significant damage to most of Ukraine's civilian airports (kyivindependent.com/war-has-caused-significant-damage-to-most-of-ukraines-civilian-airports-pm-shmyhal-says/), PM Shmyhal says.
At least 15 of Ukraine's 20 civilian airports have sustained damage since Russia's full-scale invasion began in 2022, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said on Nov. 30.

⚡️CERN ends cooperation (kyivindependent.com/cern-ends-cooperation-with-russian-institutes/) with Russian institutes.
The European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) on Nov. 30 officially cut ties with research institutes in Russia, following a decision to allow the cooperation agreement to expire in light of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

⚡️Russian oligarch Usmanov elected (kyivindependent.com/russian-oligarch-usmanov-heads-international-fencing-federation-despite-us-eu-sanctions/) to head International Fencing Federation despite US, EU sanctions.

⚡️Moscow nightclub raids target LGBTQ+ community (kyivindependent.com/moscow-nightclub-raids-target-lgbtq-community-amid-russias-crackdown-on-propaganda/) amid Russia's crackdown on 'propaganda.'

⚡️Russian attack in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast kills 4 (kyivindependent.com/russian-attack-in-dnipropetrovsk-oblast-kills-3-injures-21/), injures 21.

⚡️Russian attacks across Ukraine kill (kyivindependent.com/russian-attacks-across-ukraine-kill-11-injure-51-over-past-day/) 11, injure 51 over past day.

Ragnar Bjartur Gudmundsson 🇺🇦

• DEC 1, 2024

■ November: Record casualties, 3rd in engagements, 4th in equipment losses ■ Day: 7th in casualties, 4th in engagement, equipment losses below 7-day average ■ Data missing on 🇷🇺 air strikes, relatively few 🇺🇦 strikes reported

UNITED24 Media Telegram Highlights

Georgia’s ambassadors to Bulgaria and the Netherlands have resigned in protest against the country’s decision to suspend its EU accession efforts.

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze dismissed the possibility of a Ukrainian-style “Maidan” uprising in Georgia amid mass protests in Tbilisi.

Russian media report that Lieutenant General Sergei Kisel, the commander of the Russian military group in Syria, has been removed from his position. The reasons for his dismissal have not been disclosed.
Meanwhile, Israeli media suggest that Israel and the United States are in discussions, preparing for the potential collapse of Bashar al-Assad's regime in Syria.

On their first day in office, top EU officials arrived in Kyiv to demonstrate solidarity with Ukraine. European Council President António Costa, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Kaja Kallas, and EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos began their terms with a visit to the Ukrainian capital.

Rosneft announced plans to delay refinery modernization projects, citing the burden of high interest rates and increased taxes. This decision comes as the company reported a 13.9% year-on-year drop in profits for the first nine months of 2024, amounting to 926 billion rubles.
According to earlier reports from Reuters, at least three Russian refineries have had to either suspend operations or scale back production due to financial strains.

The Center for Countering Disinformation has debunked Russian propaganda claims alleging that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy owns the Palace Des Neiges ski resort in Courchevel.
The fabricated report claimed that the resort was purchased for 88 million euros by Film Heritage Inc., supposedly linked to Zelenskyy’s family. A fake website was created to lend credibility to the false narrative.
According to the Center, the website was registered on November 22, 2024, specifically to spread this disinformation. The hotel’s official website confirms it is owned by a completely different entity.

The number of foreigners visiting Ukraine to witness the destruction firsthand is increasing, according to Keystone-SDA. These travelers, primarily from Europe and the United States, engage in "dark tourism," a niche industry focused on visiting sites of tragic events. In Ukraine, around ten companies organize such tours, mainly centered on Kyiv, its suburbs, and Kharkiv. The cost of these tours ranges from 150 to 250 euros.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has agreed to participate in a three-hour interview with Lex Fridman in Kyiv.
Fridman, an American AI scientist and popular podcast host, has previously interviewed prominent figures such as Elon Musk, Donald Trump, and others on his YouTube channel.

Kyiv Post Telegram Highlights

"Do you want them to die without weapons?" — Zelensky responds to the west's calls to lower draft age
www.kyivpost.com/post/43097

Rebels continue advancing against the Russian-backed Assad regime in Syria, now reportedly having also taken the city of Hama. [unconfirmed atm I think; lot of fog of war]

Three dead and many wounded this morning in Kherson as Russians continue their campaign of targeting civilians with small drones, sending an attack drone into a crowded bus at 8:15am.

Live: Ukraine Telegram Highlights

Donald Trump appoints (www.reuters.com/world/us/trump-picks-kash-patel-head-fbi-2024-12-01/) Kash Patel as FBI Director
Donald Trump has selected Kash Patel to lead the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Patel, who previously worked with Trump during his first presidency, is expected to demonstrate loyalty to the newly elected president.

❗️Russia has replaced the commander of its forces in Syria following significant casualties, according to Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence
General Sergey Kisel has been dismissed and succeeded by General Aleksandr Chaiko, who previously led Russian forces in Syria from 2017 to 2019.
Additionally, Admiral Aleksandr Moiseyev, Commander of Russia’s Navy, has been stationed at the naval base in Tartus.
Reports suggest that some Russian units are encircled, with “hundreds” of soldiers currently listed as missing in action.

Russian forces killed a medical worker in Antonivka, Kherson oblast, by dropping explosives from a drone

President of Kazakhstan humiliates Putin by responding to Putin's statement "Kazakhstan is practically a Russian speaking country" in his own language https://t.me/liveukraine_media/26742

Colonel Oleksandr Lebedev, deputy commander of Russia’s 9th Infantry Brigade, was killed in Donetsk oblast

Russian missiles can reach Portugal and Iceland, while Ukrainian and Western missiles provided to Ukraine reach a maximum range of 560 km

Kharkiv subway stations are being decorated for the upcoming winter holidays

600 teddy bears highlighted the plight of kids forcibly taken by Putin's evil regime
"Remember Me" at the Monument in Washington, DC.

Expert links drone sightings over military bases in UK to Russian, Chinese threats

Just a note of caution that the expert the Guardian UK is quoting there, Nick Pope, is a slightly controversial figure to say the least...he may be right but he's very very much former UK MoD.

Is he the UFO guy?

Yep, that’s him……

It happened here, too, in October.

https://www.wsj.com/politics/national-security/drones-military-pentagon-defense-331871f4?st=6SVs27&reflink=desktopwebshare_permalink

Interesting, thanks.

Unlike the infamous Gatwick incident a few years ago there’s (almost) no doubt somebody really has been messing around with drones around places like Mildenhall…whether it’s the Green lobby or agents of a foreign power who knows….

https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2020/dec/01/the-mystery-of-the-gatwick-drone

I can't get over that Putin's budget puts more towards military/defense than education, healthcare, social policy, and the national economy together.

I’d love access to his magic money tree….

https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-november-30-2024

Key Takeaways:

• Kremlin officials responded to Syrian opposition forces' offensive into Syrian regime-held territory on November 29 and 30 and expressed interest in using the Astana Process to respond to the situation.
• Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov met with North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un during his unannounced trip to Pyongyang on November 30.
• Ukrainian forces recently regained lost positions north of Kharkiv City, and Russian forces recently advanced near Pokrovsk, Kurakhove, and Vuhledar.
• Russian milbloggers continued to criticize poor Russian military command decisions and poor training and discipline among Russian personnel.

The rest of the country is paying for it, both with high inflation and a higher crime rate, as the soldiers who were recruited from prison are coming home and resuming their behaviour.

It says a lot that Russia has to rely on North Korean proxies and Syria is losing ground in Aleppo without their help. We like to bemoan the weakness of the West, but it's not all roses for the Dictator's Club, either. China seems to be the one doing the best out if it, at the moment.

Makes you wonder how much longer the Russian people will put up with it, all the things they need being incredibly underfunded to pay for a war in which their husbands/sons/brothers are cannon-fodder in. Hopefully they will have enough and end Putin's regime.

Turkish intelligence sources are saying that the Syrian opposition was able to take territory because of the withdrawal of Russian assets (principally air power) to Ukraine. I think the Turks probably have better intel than anyone else on what's going on in Syria these days.

Russia unable to help Assad regime counter Syria rebel offensive due to being militarily tied down in Ukraine, sources say

The Russians must have beat feet conducted a disorderly withdrawal because the rebels have seized an air defense system intact.

https://x.com/ragipsoylu/status/1863133664504082831

and captured some rocket artillery.

https://x.com/xumas_iq/status/1863136448808923418

I'd venture a guess that the Russians left in Syria at this point were at a very low state of readiness or they'd have been deployed to Ukraine as well.

Found it. A model of the Tartus facility as shown in 2017 at the International Military-Technical Forum 'Army 2017' exhibition.

So far as I can remember the 'sovereign' part of the base comprises the buildings to the bottom left (green surrounds) and the area from the breakwater in the foreground, that has a ship on an oblique angle jetty, to the near half of the pier in the middleground. The area behind that is part of the port itself but Russian cargo is often brought in there. Right in the middle, to the left of two cranes was a repair vessel that was in such a state in 2017 that it made many interested in what was gong on there wonder whether much was. I know more about Russians in Tartus than is healthy as I did some research for a then colleague who was writing a report.

@MMBaranova what did Assad do to piss off Turkey so comprehensively?

Where can one find a ranking or list of countries that are unstable and at risk of collapse or war/fighting and the like over the next few years? Undoubtedly some organisation must have ranked them.

Sky News are reporting some dispiriting comments from Kuleba this morning, essentially that things are looking awful for Ukraine and that they are likely to lose the war. Maybe it's because its horrid and rainy this morning but it all feels a bit shit.

United24 Media:

🇪🇺 On their first day in office, top EU officials arrived in Kyiv to demonstrate solidarity with Ukraine. European Council President António Costa, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Kaja Kallas, and EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos began their terms with a visit to the Ukrainian capital.

The delegation plans to meet President Zelenskyy, Ukrainian government officials, parliament members, and civil society representatives.

“We have come to send a clear signal: we stand by Ukraine and will continue to fully support Ukraine,” Costa stated. Kallas emphasized the importance of European support amid uncertainty over American assistance, saying, “It is extremely important that Europe shows that it is on Ukraine’s side.”

🔹 President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported that over the past week, Russian forces launched more than 500 KAB aerial bombs, nearly 660 attack drones, and approximately 120 missiles of various types against Ukraine. Last night alone, Ukrainian air defense successfully intercepted over 30 UAVs.

“No country in the world has faced such attacks every day for such a long time. Our state has resisted, our Armed Forces continue to fight the aggressor, our people work for a strong Ukraine, and our partners support us,” Zelenskyy said.

He added, “Together, we are a force that will compel Russia to a just peace and restore peace and security in Europe.”

🇸🇾 According to Ukrainian intelligence (GUR), Russian forces in Syria have suffered significant losses amid a successful offensive by pro-Turkish forces. In response, the Kremlin has dismissed Lieutenant General Sergei Kisel, the commander of its military group in Syria.

Kisel, previously removed from his position during Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine due to poor performance, had been reassigned to Syria. Moscow has now sent General Alexander Chaiko, who previously commanded Russian troops in Syria from 2017-2019, to replace him. Admiral Alexander Moiseyev, the commander of the Russian Navy, has also arrived at the naval base in Tartus.

Russian units in Syria reportedly face dire conditions, with some surrounded and hundreds of soldiers missing. Rebels have released videos showing captured Russian equipment, particularly from their advances in Aleppo.

🇺🇸 U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan announced on ABC News’ This Week that President Biden has entrusted him with overseeing a substantial increase in military aid to Ukraine. Sullivan emphasized the administration’s commitment to ensuring that every dollar of assistance is used effectively.

“Over the next 50 days of President Biden’s term, we will do everything possible to provide Ukraine with the tools it needs to strengthen its position on the battlefield, thereby enhancing its leverage at the negotiating table,” Sullivan stated.

He also clarified that the transfer of nuclear weapons to Ukraine is not being considered.

🇺🇦 Ukrainian high jumper Yaroslava Mahuchikh has been recognized as the Best Female Athlete of the Year in Non-Running Disciplines by World Athletics.

This year, Mahuchikh achieved remarkable success, including:
• Winning gold at the Paris Olympics.
• Setting a world record with a jump of 2.10 meters.
• Claiming victories at the European Championship and the Diamond League final.

Her achievements have solidified her position as one of the greatest athletes in her field.

☠️ Fact: Russia has the largest, longest-running bioweapons program, active since 1920 and violating the 1972 Biological Weapons Convention. Their biolab accusations likely distract from their own operations.

🇬🇪 Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili declared unwavering support for the country’s Constitution during a special briefing amidst ongoing protests in Tbilisi.

“We are on the side of the Constitution in this protest. We are defending the Constitution and the future of this country,” Zurabishvili stated, accusing the ruling party, Georgian Dream, of repeatedly violating constitutional principles.

The President criticized the recent decision to delay Georgia’s European integration until 2028, labeling it as unconstitutional.

Meanwhile, the protests escalated as police and special forces used water cannons and began detaining demonstrators near the parliament in Tbilisi. Local media report that around 200 protesters have been detained over the past four days. The situation remains tense, with additional demonstrations taking place in Batumi and support rallies occurring across Europe and the United States, including in cities like Berlin, Munich, Prague, and Florence.

Zurabishvili, refusing to leave office, has called the recent parliamentary elections fraudulent and declared the new parliament illegitimate. Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, however, has announced the appointment of 12 new ministers and stated that Zurabishvili will be required to resign following the upcoming presidential elections scheduled for December 14.

Tensions continue to rise as the government and protesters stand at odds over the nation’s political future.

🇪🇺 The EU will provide Ukraine with €1.5 billion per month in 2025 from frozen Russian assets, according to European Council President Antonio Costa.

“This month, the European Union will allocate an additional €4.2 billion to support Ukraine’s budget. Starting next month, we’ll provide €1.5 billion monthly for an entire year. These funds come from frozen Russian assets and can also be used for military purposes,” Costa stated.

He added that the EU remains committed to pressuring Russia’s economy and is already preparing its 15th sanctions package to weaken Russia’s capacity to continue the war in Ukraine.

🇩🇪 German Chancellor Olaf Scholz Visits Kyiv After Two and a Half Years

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has arrived in Kyiv, marking his first visit to the Ukrainian capital in over two years.

Speaking at Kyiv’s central station, Scholz announced that Germany would deliver additional arms to Ukraine worth €650 million by the end of December.

“Germany is Ukraine’s strongest supporter in Europe,” Scholz stated, emphasizing that Ukraine could count on Germany. “We say what we do, and we do what we say,” he added.

🇷🇴 In Romania's parliamentary elections, Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu's pro-European Social Democratic Party (PSD) emerged victorious, securing 22.74% of votes in the Chamber of Deputies and 22.55% in the Senate, with 99.14% of votes counted. The PSD's coalition partner, the National Liberal Party (PNL), garnered 14.43% and 13.48% in the respective chambers.

The far-right Alliance for the Unification of Romanians (AUR), led by Călin Gheorgheescu, gained 18%, following its unexpected success in the first round of the presidential election.

Prime Minister Ciolacu highlighted the significance of the results, emphasizing Romania's pro-European direction:
"This is an important signal that Romanians have sent to the political class—to continue building the country with European money while also protecting our identity, national values, and faith."

Turnout exceeded 52%, marking a notable increase compared to the 2020 and 2016 elections.

And United 24's own round up of the past few days with links:
*DIGEST: WHAT YOU'VE MAY MISSED

▫️Nordic Countries Roll Out War Preparedness Plans for Civilian Population, Germany Follows Suit With Bunker App*

united24media.com/latest-news/nordic-countries-roll-out-war-preparedness-plans-for-civilian-population-germany-follows-suit-with-bunker-app-4130

▫️Poland Plans Fortifications on Ukraine Border, PM Tusk Says

united24media.com/latest-news/poland-plans-fortifications-on-ukraine-border-pm-tusk-says-4136

▫️Yanukovych-Era Officials Tried to Sell Ukraine’s Last Bombers on eBay, New Investigation Reveals

united24media.com/latest-news/yanukovych-era-officials-tried-to-sell-ukraines-last-bombers-on-ebay-new-investigation-reveals-4138

▫️Ukrainian Men Increasingly Face Sexual Violence in Russian Detention Centers, UN Reports

united24media.com/latest-news/ukrainian-men-increasingly-face-sexual-violence-in-russian-detention-centers-un-reports-4145

▫️EU Pledges €1.5 Billion to Ukraine Monthly Throughout 2025, Says Newly Appointed European Council President

united24media.com/latest-news/eu-pledges-eur15-billion-to-ukraine-monthly-throughout-2025-says-newly-appointed-european-council-president-4146

https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-december-1-2024

Key Takeaways:

• The Russian Ministry of Defense (MoD) reportedly replaced Lieutenant General Sergei Kisel with Colonel General Alexander Chaiko who will reprise his previous assignment as commander of the Russian Force Grouping in Syria, though it remains unclear how Russian operations in Syria may change.
• Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree approving the 2025 federal budget and the 2026–2027 draft federal budget on December 1.
• Russian state media reported that the Russian military command appointed Colonel General Rustam Muradov as the First Deputy Commander of the Russian Ground Forces.
• The Georgian opposition continues to contest the legitimacy of Georgia's ruling Georgian Dream party's electoral victory following Georgian Dream's suspension of Georgia's European Union (EU) membership accession talks.
• Ukrainian forces recently advanced in Kursk Oblast, and Russian forces recently advanced near Pokrovsk and Hulyaipole.

* *

Live:Ukraine

🔹 Russia launches over 1,200 strikes on Ukraine in past week
Last week, Russia carried out more than 500 guided aerial bomb attacks, nearly 660 strikes using combat drones, and around 120 missile launches of various types against Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelensky reported.

🔸 Syrian opposition forces have seized a significant amount of Russian military equipment

It includes:

▪️Several L-39 aircraft, along with a set of rockets and bombs;

▪️1 Mi-8 helicopter;

▪️1 Pantsir-S1 air defense system;

▪️1 BM-27 Uragan multiple rocket launcher;

▪️2 self-propelled ZU-23-4 Shilka anti-aircraft systems;

▪️1 BM-21 Grad multiple rocket launcher;

▪️1 BTR-80 armored personnel carrier;

▪️1 tank.

🪖According to the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the Russian army endured its highest-ever monthly losses in November

On one day alone, 2,030 Russian soldiers were reported as killed or wounded. Over the entire month, Moscow lost 45,720 personnel — equivalent to more than three motorized rifle divisions of Russia’s Ground Forces.

🇪🇺European Union will allocate €1.5 billion to Ukraine each month next year, utilizing frozen Russian assets – European Council President António Costa

In addition, €4.2 billion will be disbursed by the end of this year to support Ukraine’s budget.

🔹 Some allies would cease support if troop deployment were requested

During a briefing following his meeting with European Council President António Costa, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized that Ukraine would not request the deployment of allied troops on its territory, reports Ukrinform.

“We will never ask to bring troops to our territory. I have answered this many times: would we like it? Yes, of course, we would be happy for such assistance against Russian aggression. Because Putin is allied with North Korea and Iran. And we are fighting alone. Yes, with the help of partners, but we are doing it ourselves“, Zelensky stated.

Ukraine’s President explained that raising the issue of troop deployment with the EU or NATO could lead to a significant loss of support:

“If I bring this up — please, we need your troops — half of our allies would immediately stop their support. That’s why I cannot take that risk”, Zelensky added.

🔸 President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Ukraine cannot join NATO with only part of its territory, excluding the regions currently under occupation

Such an approach, he argued, would imply recognition of those territories as Russia

Zelensky acknowledged that if Ukraine were to join NATO during the war, Article 5 of the NATO Treaty, which treats an attack on one member as an attack on all, might not apply to the entire territory of Ukraine.

Article 5 obligates NATO allies to collectively defend any member facing aggression, a cornerstone of the alliance’s mutual defense pact.

🇺🇸 White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan dismissed the idea of returning nuclear weapons to Ukraine

His statement came in response to a New York Times article where anonymous sources speculated that President Biden might consider such a move before the end of his term. Sullivan clarified that this is not under consideration.

🇬🇪 Demonstrations are ongoing in Tbilisi, Batumi, Kutaisi, and other Georgian cities over the suspension of the country’s EU integration process

In the capital, three key protests are planned:

▪️Outside the Parliament building;

▪️Near the Public Broadcaster’s offices;

▪️At the business center of Bidzina Ivanishvili, leader of the pro-Russian “Georgian Dream” party.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili claimed that Russian and British citizens detained during protests may be “foreign instructors” organizing “violent groups.”

One protester in Tbilisi was seen with a sign reading, “Make me wet if you think I’m sexy,” aimed at riot police using water cannons to disperse the crowds.

🇺🇦🇪🇺 Minister of Foreign Affairs
Andriy Sybiga met with EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas, who arrived in Kyiv as part of the EU delegation headed by President of the European Council Antonio Costa

The officials held detailed talks on Ukraine's and the EU's priorities: strengthening EU military support, investing in Ukraine's defense industry, and promoting EU accession.

They also discussed sanctions against Russia, in particular its "shadow fleet."

🇺🇦 We will never accept occupied territories as Russian – Zelensky

t.me/liveukraine_media/26806

🇬🇪 In Tbilisi, the fourth night of protests ended with the dispersal of demonstrators and numerous arrests, with at least 224 people detained

Among those arrested during the rally was Zurab Girchi Japaridze, one of the leaders of the opposition coalition “For Change.” Throughout the night, special forces continued to disperse protesters using tear gas, while demonstrators retaliated with fireworks.

Meanwhile, the Georgian Prime Minister once again thanked the Minister of Internal Affairs and law enforcement for their “well-executed work” following the latest forceful crackdown on the protests.

https://x.com/SyriaCivilDef/status/1863622531233562668

"The White Helmets

Targeting hospitals and healthcare facilities protected under international humanitarian law is a war crime and a severe violation aimed at denying civilians access to medical care. The destruction caused by Russian airstrikes hit a cluster of healthcare facilities, including Idlib University Hospital, Ibn Sina Hospital, the National Hospital, the Maternity and Obstetrics Hospital, and the Health Directorate in #Idlib city on Monday, December 2."

--

Russia being Russia again.