Exchange of nighttime attacks in the war in Ukraine. A drone from the hundred launched by Russia in the last hours hit a residential building in the town of Ternopil, Ukraine, causing one death and several serious injuries. Moscow, on the other hand, claims to have destroyed about fifteen drones directed by Ukraine against Russian territory.
On Monday morning, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz arrived in Kiev, announcing new arms assistance to Ukraine valued at 650 million. His unannounced trip and promise come hours after Volodymyr Zelensky demanded weapons and NATO guarantees before negotiating a hypothetical peace agreement with Putin.
Opposition leader detained in the fourth night of violent clashes between police and protesters in Georgia's capital
Georgian police arrested a prominent opposition leader early Monday after dispersing anti-government protesters with water cannons and tear gas who had gathered outside Parliament for the fourth consecutive night. The Coalition for Change, the country's largest opposition party, stated in a message on X that Zurab Japaridze, one of its leaders, was detained as he left the demonstration. It was unclear if he would be charged with any crime.
The Georgian capital saw its fourth consecutive night of clashes between riot police and protesters demonstrating against the government's decision to delay the start of EU accession negotiations until 2028 and demanding new parliamentary elections.
Moscow denies interfering in its neighbor, but former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev warned on Sunday that Georgia was "quickly moving down the path of Ukraine, towards the dark abyss." He added, "Usually, these kinds of things end very badly."
Germany warns China against supporting Russia in the Ukraine war
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock has warned her Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, against China's "growing support" for Russia. She did so in a meeting held on Monday in Beijing, as reported by the German Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a statement.
"China's growing support for Russia's war against Ukraine is impacting our relations, as it affects Germany and Europe's fundamental security interests," Baerbock told the Chinese Foreign Minister, according to the statement released from Berlin.
Zelensky does not rule out diplomatic means to recover territory conquered by Russia
In an interview with Kyodo News, the President of Ukraine also stated that his country must find diplomatic solutions to recover part of its territory occupied by Russia in the war, but added that these steps could be taken "only when we know we are strong enough." Zelensky stated that U.S. President Donald Trump and his team were studying Ukraine's "victory plan" and that he hoped to have further discussions with them to explain "certain things in more detail."
Zelensky tells Kyodo News that North Korean soldiers have died in combat on Russian soil
North Korean soldiers deployed in Russia to fight the Ukrainian invasion in the Kursk region have died in combat, Volodymyr Zelensky told the Japanese news agency Kyodo News, although it was not clear if he provided data or evidence.
Scholz arrives in Kiev on an unannounced visit and announces the delivery of 650 million in arms to Ukraine
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has arrived in Kiev for a surprise visit, as reported on Monday by the German public broadcaster ZDF. The German leader will hold talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and announce the delivery of additional arms worth 650 million euros (685 million dollars) in December, according to ZDF citing information provided by Scholz upon his arrival in the Ukrainian capital.
This is Scholz's first trip to Ukraine in over two and a half years. It comes weeks after he was criticized by Ukrainian President Zelensky for having a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The call occurred at a time of widespread speculation about what the arrival of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's government would mean for Ukraine.
Ukrainian Air Force claims to have shot down 52 Russian drones overnight
The Ukrainian Air Force stated on Monday that Russia launched 110 drones to attack the country overnight. Of the 110 drones, the Air Force shot down 52, and the other 50 were "lost," likely due to electronic warfare. One drone remained in Ukrainian airspace, and six of the drones headed towards Belarus and Russia, adds the information from the same source.
German Foreign Minister arrives in China to discuss the war in Ukraine and trade tensions with the EU
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock arrived in Beijing on Monday for a visit during which she will meet with her Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, to discuss security issues such as the war in Ukraine and trade disputes between the Asian giant and the European Union.
In statements upon her arrival posted on the social network Weibo by the German Embassy in Beijing, the minister stated that she would not ignore "the fact that China is going against our fundamental European interests with its economic and military support to Russia."
"Putin's brutal aggression war against Ukraine directly threatens peace in Europe," Baerbock added, urging Beijing to "take responsibility for peace and security in the world as a permanent member of the UN Security Council."
Over 40 people hospitalized in Georgia during protests over the suspension of EU accession negotiations
The third night of protests in the Georgian capital against the government's decision to suspend EU accession negotiations ended with 44 people hospitalized, authorities reported on Sunday. Tens of thousands of protesters gathered in front of Parliament, throwing stones and setting off fireworks, while police deployed water cannons and tear gas. An effigy of the founder of the ruling Georgian Dream party, Bidzina Ivanishvili - a shadowy billionaire who made his fortune in Russia - was burned in front of the legislature.
The Georgian Interior Ministry stated on Sunday that 27 protesters, 16 police officers, and one media worker were hospitalized. Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze warned that "any violation of the law will be punished to the fullest extent of the law," adding that "politicians who hide in their offices and sacrifice members of their violent groups will not escape responsibility."
Russia claims to have destroyed 15 Ukrainian drones overnight
Russia's air defense systems destroyed 15 Ukrainian drones over various Russian regions overnight, as reported on Monday by the state news agency RIA, citing the Russian Ministry of Defense.
Russia attacks Ternopil with a drone, killing one person, according to the Ukrainian army
The Russian drone attack on the Ukrainian city of Ternopil hit a residential building, killing one person and injuring several others, as reported on Monday by the Ternopil military administration. "A residential building was damaged," said Viacheslav Negoda, head of the military administration in the Ternopil region, on his Telegram channel. "Unfortunately, there are casualties: one person has died, and there are serious injuries."
Serhiy Nadal, head of the regional Defense headquarters in Ternopil, stated via Telegram that, as a result of the attack, a fire engulfed several floors on the top floor of a five-story apartment building. He added that residents of several apartments were evacuated, and emergency services were working at the scene. Videos shared on social media showed flames coming out of the windows of a building. Reuters has not been able to independently verify the information.