VISUAL REPORTS
LIVE BLOG: Saakashvili Showdown In Kyiv
Latest: Supporters of Mikheil Saakashvili freed the former Georgian president from a police van amid chaotic scenes after Ukrainian security forces stormed his apartment in Kyiv, dragged him off the roof, and detained him earlier today.
Navalny - Or Belly-Dancing - In Samara
Authorities in the southeastern Russian city of Samara sought to thwart a campaign event for Alexei Navalny on December 3 by scheduling a belly-dancing competition at the same time at a nearby venue to draw away his supporters. (Russian Service)
Soldiers Construct Underground Apartments On Ukraine Frontline
RFE/RL’s Ukrainian Service explored living conditions in eastern Ukraine’s frontlines, where soldiers have built extensive underground living spaces, in some cases even with two floors. (over 74k views on Ukrainian Service Facebook)
Kazakh Journalist Released From Prison
Authorities in Kazakhstan have released from prison journalist Seitqazy Mataev, the 63-year-old former chief of the Kazakh Journalists' Union who was serving a six-year sentence for tax evasion and embezzlement, charges he says were politically motivated.
OTHER NEWS
Russia Declares RFE/RL, VOA 'Foreign Agents'
The Russian Justice Ministry has declared Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL), Voice of America (VOA), and several affiliated news services "foreign agents" under new legislation that has been criticized by Western governments and media-freedom advocates.
U.S. To Resume Visa Operations In Russia
U.S. consulates in three Russian cities will resume interviews for nonimmigrant-visa applicants next week, less than four months after those operations were suspended following Moscow's order for deep cuts in U.S. diplomatic staff.
Kremlin Asserts Putin Not Influenced By Flynn-Kislyak Meeting
The Kremlin says that Russian President Vladimir Putin's decision to hold off on retaliating against new U.S. sanctions last year was made "absolutely independently" of any influence by Michael Flynn.
Moscow Court Upholds House Arrest For Theater Director Serebrennikov
The Moscow City Court has upheld a lower court’s decision to extend the house arrest for renowned Russian theater director Kirill Serebrennikov, whose detention on fraud charges stunned the Russian artistic world and elicited support internationally.
IOC To Rule On Russian Olympic Participation
The International Olympic Committee is set to decide on December 5 whether to ban Russia from the Winter Olympics in February due to allegations of state-sponsored doping.
Kyiv’s Ambassador In Washington Insists U.S. Already Supplies Lethal Weapons To Ukraine
In an interview with RFE/RL, Ukraine’s Ambassador to the U.S. Valeriy Chaly expressed surprise at reports that the U.S. is not providing lethal weapons to Ukraine, stating that Ukraine is buying tactical American weapons on commercial contracts. He said he expects U.S. President Trump to sign a law by the end of the year that would provide Ukraine with $50 million to purchase lethal weapons. (Ukrainian Service)
U.S. Cites 'Concerns' Ukraine May Be Backtracking On Corruption Fight
The U.S. State Department has expressed concern that Ukraine may be backtracking on its commitment to fight corruption.
UN Experts Urge Lifting Travel Ban On Journalist Ismayilova
Two UN human rights experts are urging Azerbaijan to lift its travel ban on investigative journalist and RFE/RL contributor Khadija Ismayilova in order to strengthen media freedom in the country.
EU Commissioner Tells Bosnia 'High Time' To Make Reforms
The European Union's enlargement commissioner has urged Bosnia-Herzegovina to implement concrete reforms if it wants to join the bloc, warning that the window to becoming a member could close.
Uzbekistan Introduces New Visas Allowing Longer Stays For Foreigners
Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoev has signed a decree introducing new visas allowing foreigners to stay in the Central Asian country for 30 days, and reducing the cost of a tourist visa for individuals from $60 to $40.
FURTHER AFIELD: Iran Aims To ‘Customize’ Internet Filtering
Iran's telecommunications minister says that his ministry wants to customize Internet filtering based on user’s occupation, age, and other factors.