Protesters brought and burned a coffin with the image of pro-Russian oligarch Bidzina Ivanishvili outside the Georgian parliament building. This happened against the background of protests against the results of the parliamentary elections.
In Georgia, a coffin containing an image of the Russian oligarch Bidzina Ivanishvili was burned near the parliament building, reports UNN with reference to "News Georgia".
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According to media reports, the protesters brought a coffin inside which was an image of Bidzina Ivanishvili to the Georgian parliament building. The coffin was soon burned.
Earlier, Georgian Dream flags and an effigy of Ivanishvili were burned several times at the actions.
Georgia faces suspension of visa-free travel with the EU. The European Commission explained whyDec 7 2024, 10:25 AM • 19940 views
Recall
Georgian president Salome Zurabishvili declared the parliamentary elections Invalid on October 26 due to massive violations. after the official results of the elections, according to which the ruling Georgian Dream party won an absolute majority of seats in Parliament, protests began.
Ukraine is assembling a coalition of partners to create a working group aimed at bolstering its defense and forming a united diplomatic stance on ending the war, the president's spokesperson Serhii Nykyforov said on Dec. 9, as reported by Ukrainska Pravda.
"These are countries with long-range capabilities, significant investments in Ukrainian weapons production, and influence over Ukraine’s future NATO membership," Nykyforov said.
The group will include Ukraine’s strongest European allies alongside the United States.
A meeting of participating nations is planned for December to coordinate their positions and ensure Ukraine’s strength “both in negotiations and on the battlefield.”
The announcement coincided with German opposition leader Friedrich Merz’s visit to Kyiv.
At a joint press conference with President Volodymyr Zelensky, Merz proposed a contact group comprising Germany, France, the U.K., and Poland to coordinate Europe’s strategy for ending the war and aligning it with U.S. policies.
Zelensky endorsed the proposal, emphasizing the importance of unity among allies in crafting a clear vision for Ukraine’s security and the diplomatic resolution of the conflict.
At the meeting of the headquarters, the president instructed to check the training system of Ukrainian soldiers and make the necessary changes. Sirsky reported on the situation at the front and the Kursk operation.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky at the Headquarters meeting instructed to conduct an audit in the training of military personnel, in particular issues related to immediate changes, what exactly should be corrected, what needs to be added and who else should be replaced. He stated this in the evening address, reports UNN.
I made a bet today. One of the issues is the quality of training of our soldiers. This is something that requires tangible changes. Personnel changes have taken place. It is in order to restart the training system of our soldiers. Oleg Apostol and Mikhail Drapaty will do this. Today was the beginning of the relevant discussion at our rate. I have instructed you to prepare a detailed report for the next bid. And now-to make an audit of what things need immediate changes, what exactly needs to be fixed, what needs to be added and who else needs to be replaced. Everything that is needed can be provided – both at the organizational level and at the financial level. It is the quality of training of soldiers that is largely the effectiveness of our soldiers in battles, and, of course, it is the preservation of the lives of our guys
Zelensky said.
He also said that today there was a report by the commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Alexander Syrsky on the situation at the front, the protection of Ukrainian positions, the main directions, and the Kursk operation.
Recall
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky saidthat the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime in Syria explains why Ukraine needs unwavering support from partners , because there is a combat-ready Russian army on Ukrainian soil, and if Ukraine falls, then Russian dictator Vladimir Putin will return to Syria, Africa, and many other regions that interest him.
Georgian president Salomi Zurabishvili remains in opposition to the Georgian Dream government until the end of his presidential term, supporting pro-European protests.
"The Georgian Dream is introducing an amendment to the parliament that will deprive Georgian president Salomi Zurabishvili of the right to state protection, which should have been granted within a year after the end of his term of office, reports UNN with reference to Novosti Georgia.
According to media reports, this will be done as follows: the amendment cancels protection for former top officials in case of violation of the Constitution.
And the Georgian Dream has a corresponding decision of the Constitutional Court last year. Then Mriya challenged Zurabishvili's foreign visits without government confirmation and tried to impeach him, secured the decision of the Constitutional Court, but there were not enough votes during the voting.
President Solomi Zurabishvili is in opposition to the Georgian Dream government until the end of her presidential term, supporting pro-European protests. This week, on December 14, the ruling party plans to elect a new president with the help of the Electoral College. Zurabishvili says that the new parliament and government are illegitimate, and she does not resign until new elections.
Britain suspends aid to Georgia over crackdown on protestsDec 9 2024, 01:56 PM • 14707 views
The Kyiv Independent’s upcoming documentary about Ukrainian military medics who save lives on the front line of Russia’s full-scale war will be screened in 10 European capitals.
“Can You Hear Me? The Invisible Battles of Ukrainian Military Medics” will premiere in Kyiv on Dec. 12, followed by screenings in Warsaw, Berlin, Copenhagen, Oslo, Stockholm, Helsinki, Tallinn, Riga, and Vilnius.
All screenings will be followed by discussions with the film’s authors, journalists Francis Farrell and Olena Zashko. They are organized in partnership with the Repower charitable organization that provides mental health retreats for Ukrainian medics.
The film’s authors followed a group of military medics as they journeyed from the heat of battle in war-torn Ukraine to the serene forests of Sweden for a short mental health retreat.
Witnessing an endless conveyor belt of severe injuries and deaths since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022 has taken a heavy toll on the medics’ mental health. Although crucial to address, the issue of their psychological well-being is rarely talked about and often overlooked, leaving them alone in this invisible battle.
As they find themselves in a peaceful, quiet environment in Sweden for the first time since 2022, the medics have a chance to process the accumulated trauma, opening up about losing brothers-in-arms, surviving Russian captivity, and the inescapable feeling of guilt for not being able to save some of the soldiers they treated.
“Observing this war from afar in its third, it can be easy to get desensitized to the everyday horrors experienced by those out there defending all of Europe from tyranny. Our film isn’t pleasant to watch, we want to present the human cost of our freedom head on. But first and foremost, this is about people. Ordinary Ukrainians whose inner battles embody the struggle of the country as a whole: as hard as things get, there is no alternative to continuing, but to do so, we need help,” says Francis Farrell.
“Making a film where one of the themes is the mental state of soldiers is a challenge. In this case, so much depends on the people you are filming, and that makes it even more difficult. My immense gratitude goes to our heroes for letting us into their lives and sharing such intimate things. Without their authenticity, this film wouldn't have been possible,” says Olena Zashko.
“Can You Hear Me? The Invisible Battles of Ukrainian Military Medics” took more than nine months to produce, involving multiple trips to the front line in Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia oblasts, as well as a 10-day visit to Sweden.
The retreat was organized by the Ukrainian-Swedish charitable organization Repower. Given unprecedented permission from the Ukrainian high command, Repower takes hand-picked groups of medics for mental health retreats in Sweden, Denmark, and Spain. Since the organization’s founding in 2023, 755 military medics have participated in their program.
"Our mission is to prevent serious psychological trauma, support medics in restoring their sense of purpose, and help them replenish their internal resources to continue their service,” says Maryna Sadykova, head and co-founder of Repower. “Without proper psychological support, we risk losing those who save lives on the front lines.”
“This film is important because it highlights those who are often overlooked. We cannot allow their invisible wounds to go unnoticed. Supporting their mental health is not only a step toward victory, but also toward allowing them to continue their lives with renewed strength, motivation, and hope for a better future,” she adds.
The film will be screened in Ukrainian with English subtitles. WARNING: The film contains graphic scenes. They are intended to reflect the harsh realities of war, but they may be distressing to some viewers.
Register to attend for free by link:
Kyiv. Zhovten Cinema, Dec. 12, 18:00
Warsaw. Kino Wisła, Dec. 13, 18:00
Berlin. City Kino Wedding, Dec. 14, 19:30
Copenhagen. Nordisk Film Biografer Palads. Dec. 15, 16:00
Oslo. Vika Movie Theater, Dec. 16, 17:30
Stockholm. Maxim Stockholm, Dec. 17, 17:00
Helsinki. Annankatu 26, second floor. Dec. 18, 17:30
Tallinn. Kinosoprus. Dec. 19, 19:45
Riga. Cinema Splendid Palace. Dec. 20, 18:00
Vilnius. Pasaka Cinema. Dec. 21, 18:00
The film will also be released on the Kyiv Independent's YouTube channel on Dec. 12.
Ukraine will take part in the summit of the United expeditionary forces in an online format. The summit will discuss assistance in recruiting Ukrainian brigades, in particular a new brigade with the support of France.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky said that the summit of the United Expeditionary Forces, where Ukraine is scheduled to participate online, will discuss the training and assistance in recruiting Ukrainian brigades, including France's assistance in recruiting a new brigade. Zelensky stated this during a meeting with Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal, reports UNN.
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During a meeting with Michal, Zelensky said that Ukraine is invited to take part in the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) summit, because Ukraine wants to have a permanent status as a member of the association.
"We also addressed these signals to British Prime Minister Cyrus Starmer. As long as we do not have a permanent current status, we, as invited guests, will treat as in previous years. Last year I applied online, and therefore we will definitely have this opportunity. What is very important to discuss with our friends is the training and assistance in recruiting Ukrainian brigades. We received positive feedback from the French side, now we will talk to France about completing a new brigade, we received positive feedback from the German side, although I will be frank that the Americans are preparing our brigade on German soil, that is, this is their contribution, but this is not enough," Zelensky said.
The president also noted that Ukraine appealed to the Nordic countries regarding their participation in the training of Ukrainian brigades.
"These brigades are important for us, we are not going to surrender to Putin and the Russians, so this support is important for us," Zelensky added.
Recall
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky saidthat the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime in Syria explains why Ukraine needs unwavering support from partners , because there is a combat-ready Russian army on Ukrainian soil, and if Ukraine falls, then Russian dictator Vladimir Putin will return to Syria, Africa, and many other regions that interest him.
Kaja Kallas, the new EU foreign policy chief, openly clashed with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán during the NATO summit in Washington in July, back when she was serving as Estonia’s prime minister. Orbán had opposed Ukraine’s membership in the Alliance.
Source: Politico publication, as reported by European Pravda
Details: During the NATO summit in Washington in July, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán told fellow leaders and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy that Ukraine should never be admitted to the Alliance. An unnamed participant of the summit described it as a "very rude" moment.
Kallas was scheduled to speak after Orbán. An unnamed source revealed that she discarded her prepared speech.
Quote from the diplomatic source: "She answered Orbán directly, saying how wrong he was and that history and facts show that NATO’s aim is to avoid wars, and not to provoke [conflict]."
Following Kallas, several other leaders abandoned their pre-prepared speeches and spoke out against Orbán.
In her first week as EU foreign policy chief, Kallas has already adopted a more hawkish tone than her predecessor Josep Borrell, Politico writes. She has also shifted the narrative on the war in Ukraine, writing on social media that "the European Union wants Ukraine to win this war".
Politico reported that in summer 2021, Kallas prevented former German Chancellor Angela Merkel from inviting Vladimir Putin to an EU summit ahead of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
On 1 December 2024, Kallas assumed the role of EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. The same day, she visited Kyiv.
Former Crystal Palace chairman Simon Jordan insists that Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy “has nothing to do with” the club’s recent form.
Spurs lost 4-3 to Chelsea on Sunday evening as Ange Postecoglou saw his side record their sixth winless match in their last seven fixtures in all competitions.
Postecoglou brought a refreshing attacking approach after Tottenham fans had got used to enduring the more pragmatic styles of Antonio Conte and Jose Mourinho.
Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has called on Postecoglou to change to a different style for certain matches and in certain situations.
Tottenham fans have also blamed chairman Levy with some calls for him to leave the club after 23 years in charge of the north Londoners.
Responding to calls for Levy to leave Tottenham, Jordan warned Tottenham fans that a change of hierarchy doesn’t always bring success with the ex-Crystal Palace chairman using Man Utd as an example.
“How does it work when you get someone in the door? Because it’s working really well at the moment with Manchester United and Jim Ratcliffe, this new intellectual capital that’s coming in.
“Just what happened on the field against Chelsea and Brighton has nothing to do with the owner. That’s to do with the manager and what he decides to do in the game.
“Now, I do agree that in order for Tottenham to be more competitive, and you go back to the seasons when they’d lost the Champions League final, the argument is, why didn’t they back it then?
“People came out, David Pleat sat in the studio and said it was nothing to do with Levy.
“It was to do with Mauricio Pochettino didn’t want any new players. Pochettino sings a different song.
“The bottom line is, is if you don’t win anything and you’re commercially a very successful football club and you built a wonderful stadium, you’re going to be sat in a situation where people like Jamie Carragher or anybody else, or even the Tottenham fans that have their moments with Daniel Levy, are going to sit there and say, time for a change.”
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Vladimir Skovorodka covered 100 km in 9 hours and 27 minutes at the IAU World Championships in Bengaluru. The rescuer of the State Emergency Service entered the top hundred among 250 participants from 40 countries of the world.
Рятувальник ДСНС Володимир Сковорідка, який вже став володарем рекорду, на світовій першості в Індії подолав дистанцію у 100 км.Він вийшов до кращих серед ультрамарафонців, які представляли понад 40 країн на Мас 100 км чемпіонаті світу.
Reports UNN with reference to the press service of the state emergency service of Ukraine.
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At the IAU 100 km World Championships (one of the four World Championships held by the International Association of ultramarathonians) in Bengaluru (India), Kiev lifeguard Vladimir Skovorodka covered a distance of 100 km.
Out of more than 250 participants, our colleague finished with a time of 09 hours 27 minutes 36 seconds and entered the top hundred in the overall standings.
– – it says in the message.
Vladimir Skovorodka in 2023 became the owner of the record as a marathon runner who covered a distance of 50 km in full combat equipment.
He then dedicated his race to the memory of the fallen colleagues-rescuers and civilians who suffered from the consequences of Russian attacks.
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UNN reported that The 2025 London Marathon received a record number of applications – 840,318, surpassing the previous world record of 578,374 set last year, with a marked increase in the number of applications from women to 49%.
A runner with Down syndrome sets a record in the London Marathon and gets into the Guinness BookApr 22 2024, 03:25 PM • 110660 views
An interactive online portal for preserving 7,500 historical inscriptions and frescoes is being created in Sofia of Kiev. The project is implemented with the support of Sweden and uses advanced technologies to document cultural heritage.
Inscriptions on the walls of St. Sophia of Kiev will be digitized to preserve the cultural, artistic and historical monument of Ukraine.
This was discussed at the presentation of the project "digital documentation of inscriptions of Hagia Sophia", writes UNN.
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On the walls of St. Sophia Cathedral in Kiev, there are about 7,500 inscriptions and frescoes that are very valuable for preserving our history. With the beginning of the full-scale invasion, the issue of preserving cultural heritage became acute.
Therefore, thanks to the cooperation of Ukraine and Sweden, a large-scale work was carried out to document and create an interactive online portal of digitized graffiti in Sofia of Kiev for further study and popularization.
The main goal of the project "digital documentation of Hagia Sophia inscriptions" is to protect information that is a threatened research material. the project is funded by the Swedish Research Council FORMAS, the Royal Swedish Academy of literature, history and antiquities, and the Swedish National Cultural Heritage Council.
Sofia of Kiev has about 3,000 square meters of wall paintings and about 8,000 inscriptions are identified.
During the development of the online portal, the researchers focused on those surfaces where these inscriptions are most often found. three types of technologies were used to digitize inscriptions.In particular, this is a laser scan, with which you can cover the entire interior of the cathedral. This way, you can also capture each mural and Inscription locally. We then worked on creating images using photogrammetric techniques to create high-resolution 3D models and orthographic (measurable) photos.
The portal was developed by the Gothenburg research infrastructure in the field of digital humanities. the main developers were Jonathan Westin, Tristan Bridge and Matteo Tomasini with the support of other representatives of GRIDH.
What is this online portal?
The main interface of the online portal created as part of the project contains three types of images: plan view, surface view, and label view.
Users are offered an interactive map where they can visually filter data for other types of images. When viewing one of the surfaces, the label view will narrow down to the labels registered within this surface.
All data surfaces are divided by color: yellow, orange, and red. The color depends on the amount of data. However, over the next year, developers will add data for more surfaces.
Labels on the platform can be filtered using several methods: by type, language, writing system, genre, and description. You can also narrow down your data search to a specific room or surface.
Thus, the system will be able to display, for example, all inscriptions in Church Slavonic in a certain room or inscriptions with drawings on a certain surface. What is convenient, you can view surfaces and study data from them by clicking on the surface itself or the inscription that interests you.
Each label has its own unique URL, so it is easy to distribute such information and give links to it. for high-quality visualization, the developers used several open source libraries, and then created a unified user interface to make this data as easy to use as possible.
Thanks to high-resolution images, you can zoom in on the surface and notice small details.
In addition, the view of all surfaces and inscriptions is supplemented with topographic visualizations, which use 3D data to emphasize the inscriptions, as well as see details related to the technology of life painting. To create visualizations for the project, we used the Topography visualization Toolbox, an application developed by Esheli Green of the Swedish stone art archive and the Gothenburg Digital Humanities Research Infrastructure.
In general, the online portal was created for use in research, as well as for data registration.
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The United States will finance two new projects to protect Ukraine's cultural heritage. They will help in restoring damaged objects and strengthen Ukraine's abilityto investigate the illegal export of cultural property.
The Kyiv IndependentMartin Fornusek
