VISUAL REPORTS
VOX POP: Do Moscow Students Want To Leave?
Students responding to an informal street poll in Moscow expressed a range of views about leaving Russia and going abroad. Some were in favor, citing a lack of job and educational prospects and the political climate; some said they’d like to study abroad or do an internship. Many said they were committed to staying because they love their country and, acknowledging problems, said they wanted to stay and help fix things. (in Russian, Current Time TV)
Serbia's Weekly Anti-Government Rallies Mark One Year
Thousands have marched in Belgrade against the government every Saturday for one year. Participants in the 52nd rally on November 30 brought a symbolic blood-soaked shirt to the government headquarters, a reference to the beating of opposition leader Borko Stefanovic by unknown assailants on November 30, 2018.
Chinese, Serbian Police Hold Joint Exercise
Chinese special police units joined Serbian police at a counterterroism exercise at a Chinese-owned steel factory in Smederevo, eastern Serbia. Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic and Chinese Ambassador to Serbia Chen Bo attended the event, which involved 180 people and included a helicopter unit.
One Man’s Open-Air Homage To The Collective Farm
One man's obsession with the collective farm he ran for more than a quarter of a century led to the creation of a unique open-air museum in a village in southern Russia.
OTHER NEWS
Russia, China Launch 'Historic' Gas Pipeline
Russia and China have cemented their cooperation in the energy sphere with the launch of the first gas pipeline linking the world’s biggest natural-gas exporter and the second-largest economy. Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese leader Xi Jinping announced the launch of the 3,000-kilometer Power of Siberia pipeline at a joint ceremony on December 2 via a TV linkup.
Russia Announces ‘New International Transport Corridor’ With China
Construction of the first road bridge connecting Russia and China has been completed, with the structure expected to officially open in the spring of 2020, Russian officials say.
Iran Announces Joint Naval Maneuvers With Russia, China
The commander of Iran's navy has confirmed that his forces will participate in joint exercises with Russia and China beginning later this year in the northern Indian Ocean from December 22 to January 20.
Russia Accredits Luhansk University
Russian authorities have issued a 5-year accreditation to the Luhansk State Medical University, enabling it to issue Russian diplomas in the fields of dentistry, pediatrics, medical care, and pharmaceuticals. It is the first time Russia has accredited a university in the separatist-controlled territory. In the last year, Moscow accredited four universities in separatist-controlled Donetsk. (Russian Service)
Apple To Reevaluate Policy On 'Disputed Borders' After Crimea Outcry
Apple says it will reevaluate how it identifies "disputed borders" after receiving criticism for displaying Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula as part of Russia on maps and weather apps for Russian users.
Leaked Recordings Hint At Russian Spy Agencies’ Reliance On Bitcoin
Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s report revealed precise evidence in alleging how Russia's military intelligence agency used bitcoin transactions to mask meddling in the 2016 U.S. presidential elections. A recent BBC report about cryptocurrencies has provided more indications of how exactly Russian spy agencies used bitcoin.
Moscow Court Rejects Golunov Complaint Over Police Inaction
A Moscow court has rejected a complaint from Russian journalist Ivan Golunov accusing law enforcement of failing to launch an investigation of the police officers who detained him in a high-profile drug-trafficking case in June. (Russian Service)
Russia Weighs Law To Allow Convicts To Do Time Closer To Their Families
In an acknowledgement of the thousands of kilometers in Russia that routinely separate prisoners and their families, a new bill under review in the Duma would allow persons behind bars to ask the Federal Penitentiary Service to let them serve their time in prisons located in the regions where their relatives live.
Ukrainian Journalist Attacked For Third Time In Seven Years
Oleksandr Vlashchenko, a Ukrainian journalist in the southern port city of Mykolayiv, was hospitalized on November 30 after a lone assailant sprayed a liquid substance into his eyes and hit him several times in the face and head while he was returning home.
Ukrainian Lawmaker's 3-Year-Old Son Killed In Kyiv Shooting
The 3-year-old son of regional Ukrainian lawmaker and businessman Vycheslav Sobolyev died from a gunshot wound in central Kyiv on December 1 when an unknown assailant fired shots at Sobolyev’s moving car.
Lavrov To Discuss Nagorno-Karabakh During Baku Visit
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov begins a two-day visit to Azerbaijan on December 2 , during which Azerbaijan’s breakaway region of Nagorno-Karabakh will be at the top of the agenda.
Azerbaijan's Parliament Dissolves Itself, Setting Path For Snap Polls
Azerbaijan's National Assembly, dominated by the ruling New Azerbaijan Party (YAP), has approved a proposal to dissolve parliament and ask President Ilham Aliyev, the leader of the party, to call snap general polls.
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