Ukraine Calls on NATO to Ready Sanctions on Russia, Boost Military Cooperation

LOCAL NEWS

• Ukraine calls on NATO to ready sanctions on Russia while boosting military cooperation with Ukraine to deter a possible attack. NATO SecGen Stoltenberg says NATO guarantees the security of its members, but not partners like Ukraine given its lack of membership.
  • Stoltenberg has told commented on Russian aggression 6 times in the last 5 days, calling for de-escalation on the border, while Putin reasserted Russia’s red lines yesterday. Stoltenberg said Russia's intentions are still unclear, but its actions in the border area with Ukraine and rhetoric of late are forcing NATO to prepare for the worst
• Military Department says the formation of a new airborne assault regiment in Crimea will be completed in December.
  • In addition, as early as next year, the Airborne Forces, in particular, will have to re-equip several airborne assault and artillery units with modern equipment, equip training facilities at the new Starokrymsky training ground in the Republic of Crimea
• Kremlin says Russia has nothing to do with the deterioration of ties with NATO and that it must take the initiative to revive relations with Russia and settle the ongoing tensions.
  • Says that Russia has also taken a number of unilateral steps to ensure predictability and restraint in the missile sector when NATO members have not
• HealthMin says no cases of Omicron have been registered in Russia yet, but warned it may soon emerge. Also highlighted that Covid-19 numbers fell by 13% last week with hospitalisations decreasing.
  • Notes 70m people have been vaccinated, but the watchdog says that 80% or 90m vaccinations are needed to reach herd immunity

Data/Events

• 1600GMT: CPI Weekly YTD Nov 29, prior 7.02%
• 1600GMT: CPI WoW Nov 29, 0.20% prior