**Ukraine: Online Casino Owners Suspected of Collaborating with Russia**
The State Bureau of Investigation (DBR) and the Prosecutor General’s Office in Ukraine have announced that they suspect the owners and top managers of a popular online casino, Pin-Up, of collaborating with Russia.
According to officials, the casino’s Russian owners allegedly collected personal data from users, including military personnel, and shared this information with Russia. The DBR also claims that the individuals behind the casino are involved in financing the Russian state budget and armed aggression against Ukraine.
The casino’s online activities were reportedly shut down in May when a court seized its assets worth over $62.5 million. These funds were later used to purchase military bonds.
**Gambling Restrictions**
Ukraine officially banned gambling in 2009, but it was legalized again in 2020. However, with the ongoing conflict with Russia, President Volodymyr Zelensky signed a decree in April this year restricting online gambling and banning it for military personnel while martial law remains in effect.
**Russian Invasion**
The war between Ukraine and Russia has been ongoing since 2014, but it escalated into a full-scale invasion earlier this year. The conflict has resulted in significant economic losses for Russia, including a 74% increase in coffin prices since the beginning of the invasion.
**Global Response**
The European Union is prepared to compensate if the U.S. withdraws from a $50 billion loan agreement for Ukraine, according to Polish Deputy Finance Minister Pawel Karbownik.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha strongly opposed any agreements that could legitimize Russian aggression during a meeting of the OSCE Ministerial Council in Malta on December 5.
**Other Developments**
* A Ukrainian delegation met with incoming U.S. government officials in Washington to discuss security guarantees.
* Ukraine’s Air Force intercepted 30 out of 44 Russian drones launched overnight.
* Russian warships fired warning shots at German military helicopters patrolling the Baltic Sea.
* Gazprombank’s online and mobile banking services were disrupted by a powerful cyberattack.
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