Dwindling press freedom to wealth inequality: Assessing 2023 through seven indices December 31, 2023 at 12:52AM

Press freedom deteriorates globally due to the fake content industry, while illiberal incumbents contribute to the decline of democracy. Poverty persists, with child wasting as a key indicator. The world is faced with pressing challenges like inequality and climate change that require immediate action. Freedom, democracy, and equality are at stake, and the interrelatedness of these issues must be acknowledged. The international community's collective will and action are crucial to create a more equitable and sustainable future.

Russia launches drone strikes on Ukraine after promising retaliation for Belgorod attack December 30, 2023 at 11:51PM

Russia launched a fresh drone assault on Ukraine, targeting the Russian border city of Belgorod. The Ukrainian Air Force shot down 21 of the 49 drones launched. An attack on Kharkiv resulted in 28 people wounded and damage to several buildings. The Russian Defense Ministry claimed to have hit decision-making centers and military facilities in Kharkiv, including the Kharkiv Palace Hotel. The attack in Belgorod killed 24 people and wounded 108, with Russia accusing Kyiv of carrying out the attack.

Day 85: Airstrikes hit camps in central Gaza as US approves new weapons sales to Israel December 30, 2023 at 05:16AM

Israeli warplanes strike Gaza refugee camps as Biden approves emergency weapons sale, despite international cease-fire calls. Senior Hamas official rejects Egypt's proposal for a staged end to the war, demanding a permanent cease-fire. Israeli offensive continues to dismantle Hamas, while US supplies weapons. Palestinian death toll rises to 21,672, with 70% being women and children. Aid delivery in Gaza remains inadequate, with long delays and ongoing fighting. Israel vows to bring back hostages and remains far apart from Hamas on terms of cease-fire and swaps.

'Devil comet', bigger than Mount Everest, racing towards Earth and is set to explode soon December 30, 2023 at 04:17AM

Russian military says 13 Ukrainian rockets downed in southern Belgorod region December 30, 2023 at 12:59AM

Russia's defence ministry reported the destruction of a Ukrainian sea drone off Crimea and a child killed in the Bryansk region. The ministry also stated that their anti-aircraft units had destroyed 13 Ukrainian rockets over the southern Belgorod region, resulting in one death and four injuries. The governor of the Bryansk region confirmed the child's death in strikes on civilian objects. Additionally, the Russian military reported the destruction of 32 drones in various regions. The Ukrainian armed forces posted video evidence of the sky above Belgorod, showing a building on fire.

Airstrikes over eastern Syria near Iraqi border kills six Iran-backed militants December 29, 2023 at 11:47PM

​Three overnight airstrikes on eastern Syria Saturday near a strategic border crossing with Iraq killed six Iran-backed militants, two members of Iraqi militia groups told The Associated Press. The strikes on the border region of Boukamal came hours after an umbrella group of Iran-backed Iraqi militants - known as the Islamic Resistance - claimed an attack on a USmilitary base in the city of Irbil in northern Iraq. The group has conducted over a hundred attacks on USpositions in Iraq and eastern Syria since the onset of the Hamas-Israel war on October 7.

President Zelenskyy says Russia fired 110 missiles at Ukraine December 28, 2023 at 11:10PM

​President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Friday that Russia launched around a hundred missiles over Ukraine in the biggest attack in recent months, which killed at least 10 people and wounded over 70. "Today, Russia used nearly every type of weapon in its arsenal: Kinzhals, S-300s, cruise missiles, and drones. Strategic bombers launched X-101/X-505 missiles. A total of around 110 missiles were fired against Ukraine, with the majority of them being shot down," Zelenskyy said on X.

Displaced Palestinians flood a southern Gaza town as Israel expands its offensive in the center December 28, 2023 at 11:05PM

Israel's air and ground offensive against Hamas has displaced 85% of Gaza Strip residents, leaving Palestinians with a sense that nowhere is safe. Israel's campaign is focused on central Gaza, including the urban refugee camps of Bureij, Nuseirat, and Maghazi. The war has killed over 21,300 Palestinians, sparked a humanitarian crisis, and left a quarter of Gaza's population starving. Israel has vowed to dismantle Hamas and bring back over 100 hostages. Around 100,000 people have arrived in Rafah, while strikes continue in central Gaza. The offensive has killed thousands of Palestinians and 168 Israeli soldiers.

Ukraine's frontline children yearn for return to classroom December 27, 2023 at 10:26PM

In the war-torn city of Sloviansk, Ukraine, Ukrainian third-grader Arina Herasymova is forced to attend school online due to the ongoing conflict with Russia. The invasion, which has been ongoing for nearly two years, has disrupted the lives of many local children. Arina's mother, Iryna, has noticed a significant change in her daughter's behavior since the start of the conflict. The threat of Russian air strikes looms over Sloviansk, and Arina's teacher has instructed her students to suspend lessons if an air raid siren sounds. In contrast, in the northeastern

BJP to put up a grand show of strength in Ayodhya on December 30 December 26, 2023 at 05:40PM

The BJP is preparing for a grand show of strength in Ayodhya ahead of PM Narendra Modi's visit to inaugurate the Maryada Purushottam Sri Ram airport project and railway station. The party plans to bring supporters from several districts, including Sultanpur, Ambedkarnagar, Amethi, Barabanki, Gonda, and Basti. PM Modi will have a 15-km road show and is expected to inaugurate other developmental projects. The mobilization is being supervised by top BJP leaders, including CM Yogi Adityanath and UP BJP chief Bhupendra Chaudhary, to set the party's electoral agenda against the Samajwadi Party and Congress opposition bloc.

German police say they are holding a man in connection with a threat to Cologne Cathedral December 26, 2023 at 11:44PM

​German authorities say they have detained a man in connection with a reported threat to Cologne Cathedral over the holiday period. Police searched the cathedral with sniffer dogs just before Christmas, and Christmas Eve worshippers faced security checks to get into midnight Mass there. They didn't specify the threat, but German news agency dpa said authorities were responding to indications of a possible attack by Islamic extremists, without citing a specific source. Cologne police said they took precautions over Christmas.

Why CIA is struggling to a build a spy network in China December 26, 2023 at 10:34PM

Chinese agents infiltrated the CIA and executed or jailed dozens of American spies. CIA struggling to rebuild its human network in China. US shifting focus to preparing for a possible 'great power' conflict with China and Russia. Hamas's attack on Israel and Russia's invasion of Ukraine have distracted the US. Compromised network in China hampers understanding of China's policies. Lack of human intelligence limits US's capacity to gauge China's advancements. US intelligence community undergoing major strategic shift. Resource allocation crucial for CIA's sustained focus on China. Potential openings in China due to internal dissatisfaction with Xi Jinping's rule.

Baghdad condemns US strike on Iraqi military positions December 25, 2023 at 11:17PM

Iraq's government condemned on Tuesday overnight US air strikes on Iraqi military positions that it said killed one serviceman and wounded 18 other people, calling them a "clear hostile act". The United States has carried out retaliatory air strikes on Monday in Iraq after a one-way drone attack earlier in the day by Iran-aligned militants that left one US service member in critical condition and wounded two others. Two Iraqi security sources said overnight US airstrikes targeted headquarters for Iraqi armed group Kataib Hezbollah in the Iraqi city of Hilla south of Baghdad.

Thousands of Chinese migrants cross border as US Marks 80th anniversary of repeal of exclusion act December 25, 2023 at 10:39PM

As the US marks the 80th anniversary of the repeal of the Chinese Exclusion Act, thousands of Chinese immigrants are crossing the US-Mexico border after witnessing a decline in the Chinese economy. From January through September, over 24,000 Chinese migrants crossed the border without authorization, about 13 times the number recorded during the same period last year. Chinese migrants who cross into the US without authorization usually wait for agents from the US Border Patrol to pick them up. Chinese migrants were granted asylum nearly 67% of the time in immigration courts over the past two decades.

Ukraine received $1.34 billion under World Bank project: Finance ministry December 24, 2023 at 11:47PM

Ukraine received $1.34 billion under the World Bank's public expenditures for administrative capacity endurance in Ukraine, the Ukrainian finance ministry said on Monday. The ministry said in a statement the financing consisted of a $1.086 billion loan from the World Bank, $190 million grant from Norway, $50 million grant from the United States and $20 million grant from Switzerland. The ministry said the funds would be used to partially compensate for non-security and defence-related expenditures of the Ukrainian state budget.

Russia says West trying to 'destabilise' Serbia December 24, 2023 at 10:52PM

Russia on Monday accused Western countries of stirring up tensions in Serbia, a Moscow-friendly Balkan nation that has been rocked by protests over alleged fraud in elections held on December 17. Just a day before, demonstrators tried to storm the Belgrade city hall. Protestors reject the results of parliamentary and local elections in which President Aleksandar Vucic's party said it secured a commanding victory. "The attempts of the collective West to destabilise the situation in the country are obvious," foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told state-run news agency RIA Novosti.

After Taiwanese denied entry, government asks public to put off travel plans to Cuba December 24, 2023 at 10:42PM

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) of Taiwan issued a travel advisory to the public on Monday after a Taiwanese man told CNA that he and some of his family were denied admission to Cuba on Sunday "due to the strained relations between Taiwan and China, Focus Taiwan reported. Danny Yen, a Taiwanese expatriate in Canada, told CNA on Sunday he and four family members, all of whom live in Montreal, travelled to Havana on their Republic of China (ROC) passports for a nine-day excursion in the Caribbean country.

Israel: Residents of Judea, Samaria fear return of Palestinian labourers December 23, 2023 at 11:12PM

Palestinian workers return after Hamas war, but Israeli security organizations and municipalities are divided on the issue. Karnei Shomron security department and the army previously allowed workers with permits. However, after the October 7 massacre, it was revealed that some workers provided information to Hamas terrorists. Israeli jobs make up 30% of the general income of the West Bank. The building industry is stalled due to the lack of both Palestinian and Israeli workers. The government is considering bringing in Indian workers, but the approval is limited.

Russia short of around 4.8 million workers in 2023, crunch to persist: Report December 23, 2023 at 11:14PM

Russia faces acute labour shortages due to a depleted workforce, with a shortage of around 4.8 million workers in 2023. The problem is expected to persist in 2024. Labour shortages have sharply increased, particularly in the manufacturing, construction, and transportation sectors. Companies are raising wages to attract more employees. Experts believe that the shortages will continue next year, affecting professions such as factory workers, engineers, doctors, and teachers. Poor demographics and population migration are among the reasons for the labour shortages.

In pics: Madrid Metro marks 104 years: A legacy built amid WWI December 23, 2023 at 08:54PM

Madrid Metro, constructed during the turbulent era of the First World War and the Spanish Flu, has completed 104 years of its eventful journey. When opened in 1919, it was seen as an engineering feat and as a "miracle" because Spain's first line of metro had been built in just two to three years, said a top official of Madrid Metro.

Would-be Putin challenger Duntsova barred from running in election - campaign team December 22, 2023 at 11:58PM

Former TV journalist Yekaterina Duntsova has been barred from running against President Vladimir Putin in an election next march because of "mistakes" in her application to register as a candidate, her campaign channel said on Telegram. The move came only three days after Duntsova, 40, had applied to the electoral commission to be registered as a candidate. She had planned to run on a platform of ending the war in Ukraine and freeing political prisoners.

Tunisians vote in local elections on Sunday to fill a new chamber as economy flatlines December 22, 2023 at 10:38PM

Tunisians are preparing to vote in the country's first local elections since the approval of a new constitution last year. The elections will determine the composition of a new National Council of Regions and Districts, part of President Kais Saied's plan to reshape politics in Tunisia. However, there is little enthusiasm for the elections due to ongoing issues such as butter and milk shortages, political party boycotts, and the ongoing prosecutions of the president's critics.

Pakistan: Five labourers gunned down by unidentified men in South Waziristan December 21, 2023 at 10:36PM

At least five labourers were gunned down in the Shin Warsak neighbourhood of South Waziristan in Pakistan by unknown assailants, ARY News reported on Friday.

Italy neo-fascist leaders jailed after 2021 violence December 20, 2023 at 11:28PM

The leaders of two fringe neo-fascist groups in Italy have been jailed for more than eight years for their role in violent demonstrations in Rome's city centre two years ago. Roberto Fiore, the 64-year-old leader of Forza Nuova, was jailed for eight years and six months by a Rome court on Wednesday. Giuliano Castellino, a former Rome leader of Forza Nuova who last year created his own political movement, Italia Libera, was sentenced to eight years and seven months.

Myanmar junta accused of war crimes over response to rebel offensive December 20, 2023 at 11:15PM

Amnesty International calls for investigation of war crimes by Myanmar's military, citing indiscriminate attacks and use of banned cluster munitions. Evidence suggests an air strike in Shan state used cluster munitions. Civilians suffer looting, arrests, and torture. The United Nations reports over 300,000 people displaced since October's fighting. China claims to have mediated a ceasefire, but rebel alliance vows to continue. Human Rights Watch accuses rebel group of abducting and recruiting civilians. Myanmar's military denies targeting civilians.

Thailand edges closer to legalising same-sex marriage December 20, 2023 at 11:14PM

The Thai parliament is set to begin deliberating four draft bills on same-sex marriage, moving the country closer towards its legalisation with the first vote on the bills expected later on Thursday. The four draft bills being deliberated on Thursday include one tabled by the new government, another by civil society groups, and two others from opposition Move Forward and the Democrats parties. If the draft laws are approved in parliament's first reading on Thursday, they could be tabled for final reading votes early next year.

China vows to keep up military pressure on the Philippines as territorial dispute grows tenser December 20, 2023 at 10:21PM

China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi warns the Philippines to act cautiously in the South China Sea dispute or face resolute defense against ill-intentioned external forces. China has mobilized its coast guard and maritime militia to block Philippine supply missions. Wang accuses the Philippines of changing its policy stance, reneging on promises, and undermining China's rights. He urges the Philippines to handle the current maritime situation properly and return to the right path. The territorial dispute has grown tenser as China seeks to cement its claims, while the US and its allies support the Philippines.

UK Tories face another by-election after MP ousted December 19, 2023 at 11:30PM

The Conservative party faces another potentially bruising by-election in the Wellingborough constituency after Peter Bone, its Tory lawmaker, was ousted following allegations of misconduct. If the Tories lose in Wellingborough, it will increase pressure on Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. Sunak, who became UK leader in October last year, has been unable to revive the party's fortunes and has consistently trailed the Labour opposition in polls. The by-election, which could take place in February, was triggered after 10% of voters signed a petition to recall Bone.

Ukraine says it defeated Russian drone attack on Kyiv December 19, 2023 at 11:26PM

Ukrainian military officials reported that Russia launched its fifth air attack targeting Kyiv, Odesa, Kherson, and other regions, deploying 19 attack drones. Air defense systems successfully destroyed 18 drones, with no immediate information on the number destroyed over Kyiv. The Ukrainian air force also repelled a missile attack in the Kharkiv region. In a separate incident, nine residents, including four children, were injured in a Russian drone attack on Kherson. Civilian objects and residential buildings were damaged.

Ukrainians prepare for first wartime Christmas on new calendar December 19, 2023 at 11:30PM

China's earthquake survivors endure frigid temperatures and mourn the dead December 19, 2023 at 11:12PM

Survivors in remote mountains mourned the dead and endured frigid cold after an earthquake. Houses collapsed, killing 131 people and injuring over 900. Most casualties were in Gansu province. In makeshift shelters, survivors retrieved belongings from the ruins of their houses. Nearly 15,000 homes collapsed and over 87,000 people have been resettled. The death toll rose to 18 and the number of injured approached 1,000. Experts attributed the high toll to shallow depth and poor construction.

Ex-Pak PM Abbasi says he won't contest general elections December 18, 2023 at 11:26PM

Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, former prime minister of Pakistan and a prominent member of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), has declared not to run for the general elections scheduled for February next year. During an interview, he avoided questions about leaving the PML-N or starting a new political party. Abbasi mentioned that the PTI came to power in a fair playing field environment defined by the constitution and the law. He also mentioned facing cases in NAB courts for four years over attending a meeting.

Explainer: US, Asian allies launch system to track North Korea missiles in real-time December 18, 2023 at 10:56PM

South Korea, the United States, and Japan have activated a new missile warning data sharing system to detect and assess North Korea's missile launches in real-time. The system allows the sharing of information on the launch site, flight trajectory, and hitting point of North Korean missiles. The trilateral security cooperation between the three countries aims to improve their ability to respond to North Korea's growing nuclear and missile threats. South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has prioritized mending ties with Japan to address the mutual concerns regarding North Korea's missiles.

Possible explosion reported near vessel off Yemen's coast December 17, 2023 at 11:00PM

A possible explosion near a vessel in the vicinity of the Bab al-Mandab and a second incident near the strait at the southern end of the Red Sea were reported. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) received a report of a possible explosion two nautical miles from a vessel located 30 nautical miles south of the Yemeni port of Mokha. The UKMTO also received a report of an "incident" 30 nautical miles northwest of Mokha.

Pakistan SC rules against raising objections to delimitations of electoral boundaries post release of election schedule December 17, 2023 at 10:47PM

Pakistan's supreme court rules against objections to electoral boundary delimitation, clearing the way for February 8 polls. The court accepts the Election Commission of Pakistan's appeal and nullifies the Balochistan High Court's decision on delimitation. The court declares the high court decision null and void, stating that the electoral process cannot be affected to provide relief to an individual. The supreme court's move follows its rejection of the Lahore high court's attempt to disrupt the election process.

Ukrainian drone video provides a grim look at casualties as Russian troops advance toward Avdiivka December 16, 2023 at 11:53PM

Russian forces continue their offensive in Avdiivka, eastern Ukraine, resulting in staggering casualties. Aerial footage obtained by The Associated Press reveals the apocalyptic scene of the battle. The video, shot by a Ukrainian military drone unit near Stepove, shows about 150 bodies of soldiers, most wearing Russian uniforms, scattered along tree lines. The village of Avdiivka is reduced to rubble, with burned and disfigured trees and fields pocked by artillery shells and grenades. The footage, shot on Dec. 6, confirms the massive losses suffered in the ongoing conflict.

French foreign ministry says worker killed by an Israeli attack in Rafah December 16, 2023 at 11:37PM

Five Palestinians killed by Israeli forces in West Bank's Tulkarm: Palestinian health ministry December 16, 2023 at 11:08PM

Small plane crashes into power lines in Oregon and kills 3, police say December 16, 2023 at 10:52PM

Communications blackout & spiraling hunger compound misery in Gaza Strip December 16, 2023 at 12:20AM

Internet and telephone lines went down Thursday evening and were still inaccessible Saturday morning, according to internet access advocacy group NetBlocks.org, hampering aid deliveries and rescue efforts as Israel's war against Gaza's ruling militant group Hamas stretched into the 11th week. The offensive, triggered by the unprecedented October 7 Hamas attack on Israel, has flattened much of northern Gaza and driven 85% of Gaza’s population of 2.3 million from their homes. Displaced people have squeezed into shelters mainly in the south in a spiraling humanitarian crisis.

Ukraine says shot down 30 drones in new attack December 15, 2023 at 11:10PM

The Ukrainian air force repelled a Russian drone attack, shooting down 30 out of 31 drones. The attack targeted Kyiv, Kherson, and Khmelnytsky regions. Ukrainian forces recaptured Kherson in November 2022 but face constant shelling by Russian forces. One person died in overnight Ukrainian bombings in the occupied Kherson region. Russia reported 41 Ukrainian strikes in the border region. In response, Russia shot down 26 drones in Crimea and six in the Kursk region. Russia also launched a massive drone attack on southern Ukraine and fired ballistic missiles at Kyiv.

Myanmar ethnic minority fighters seize town from military December 15, 2023 at 10:39PM

Kremlin says Ukraine's EU accession could take decades December 15, 2023 at 12:09AM

The Kremlin remarked on Friday that Ukraine's entry into the European Union remains highly unlikely. According to Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, Brussels' support for Kyiv through its initiatives is more of a political gesture. Peskov in a briefing highlighted that both Ukraine and Moldova which is also aspiring for EU membership, do not meet the strict criteria set by the EU. Peskov expressed concerns that allowing Ukraine entry could potentially disrupt the stability of the bloc.

Yemeni rebels strike cargo ship in Red Sea: US official December 14, 2023 at 11:04PM

A projectile fired from rebel-controlled Yemen hit a cargo ship in the Red Sea on Friday, a US official and an intelligence firm said, the latest in a series of attacks. "We are aware that something launched from a Huthi-controlled region of Yemen struck this vessel which was damaged, and there was a report of a fire," the US defence official told AFP. Private intelligence firm Ambrey said the container ship, owned by German transport company Hapag-Lloyd, "sustained physical damage from an aerial attack" north of the Yemeni coastal city of Mocha.

'I apologize for this': Why Putin said sorry to Russians December 14, 2023 at 10:36PM

Putin apologizes for escalating inflation, specifically the 40% surge in egg prices. The shortage of essential goods and Western trade restrictions have contributed to the skyrocketing costs of eggs and chicken. The price of eggs increased by 13% in October 2023 and another 15% in November 2023. Russia, which exported 1.2 billion eggs in 2022, has faced difficulties in exporting eggs due to sanctions. Russian egg farmers have encountered challenges in accessing veterinary services and medicines for their animals. Putin acknowledges the need for corrective measures and plans to reduce duties on imported eggs.

Putin is taking questions from ordinary Russians along with journalists as his reelection bid begins December 13, 2023 at 11:35PM

Putin's end-of-year news conference in Moscow included questions from ordinary citizens, focusing on key themes such as the fighting in Ukraine, payments to soldiers and their families, and the economy. This year, Putin allowed international journalists to attend, despite his limited interaction with the foreign media since the conflict began. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy's recent plea for more U.S. aid and weaponry adds to the significance of Putin's appearance, which is primarily aimed at a domestic audience and aims to reinforce his power ahead of the March election.

Hungary against EU talks with Ukraine, open to financial aid for Kyiv December 13, 2023 at 11:40PM

Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban stated that Hungary would support in providing long-term financial aid to Ukraine outside of the EU budget. Orban reiterated his opposition to starting accession talks with Ukraine. The EU countries, excluding Hungary, aim to offer Ukraine 50 billion euros in budget support until 2027 and advance its membership bid. Orban mentioned that there is no rush to decide on additional financial aid to Ukraine as short-term support is already secured.

1,100 Bangladeshi opposition activists convicted since September: Lawyers December 13, 2023 at 10:59PM

Bangladeshi courts have convicted more than 1,100 opposition officials and activists since September, lawyers said Thursday, a day after scores more of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's opponents were sentenced to prison. "In the past three months at least 1,093 BNP activists and several dozen activists from other opposition parties were convicted in 69 cases," the party's legal affairs chief Kayser Kamal told AFP. That figure includes 127 BNP activists handed prison sentences of up to three years in courts across Dhaka on Wednesday, Ehsanur Rahman, a lawyer for several of the defendants, told AFP.

China's economy forecast to slow sharply in 2024, says World Bank; calls recovery 'fragile' December 13, 2023 at 10:50PM

Despite a recent recovery, China's economy will slow to 4.5% growth next year. The challenges include weakness in the property sector, global demand for exports, high debt levels, and wavering consumer confidence. Growth is expected to slow further in 2025. Job losses and a downturn in the property industry have led to cautious spending. The report emphasizes the need for structural reforms and support for cash-strapped local governments. The real estate investment has fallen.

Missiles from rebel territory in Yemen miss a ship near key Bab el-Mandeb Strait, US official says December 12, 2023 at 10:41PM

Two missiles fired by Yemen's Houthi rebels missed a commercial tanker near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. A US warship shot down a suspected Houthi drone during the incident. The recent rebel assaults expand the campaign by Iranian-backed rebels targeting ships close to the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. This potentially imperils cargo and energy shipments through the Suez Canal. The attacks also raise concerns about a wider regional conflict.

About 100 lorries pass through unblocked Ukraine-Poland crossing, Kyiv says December 11, 2023 at 11:18PM

Since Polish truck drivers lifted the blockade on Ukraine's border with Poland, around 100 lorries have passed through the road crossing. Ukrainian deputy infrastructure minister, Serhiy Derkach, stated that Kyiv hopes for the lifting of blockades at three other border checkpoints. The protests over Ukrainian trucking firms' access to the European Union have caused thousands of trucks to be backed up at Polish border crossings with Ukraine. The Polish and Slovak truckers accuse their Ukrainian counterparts of undercutting prices and offering unauthorized services.