**Abkhazia Rejects Investment Agreement with Russia**
The council of Russian-occupied Abkhazia has voted against a controversial investment agreement with Moscow. The move comes after mass protests last month, Interfax reported on December 3.
Twenty-one lawmakers voted against the law, which would have allowed Russians to buy property in Abkhazia. Two lawmakers abstained from voting. Abkhazia is internationally recognized as part of Georgia, but has been under Russian occupation since a breakaway leadership took power.
**Background**
The investment agreement was signed in October by Russia and Abkhazia. However, protesters in Abkhazia demanded an immediate vote to reject the deal, which they said was one-sided and favored Moscow. The council had previously decided to postpone consideration of the agreement.
**Other Developments**
Abkhazian President Aslan Bzhania resigned on November 19. There have been rumors of accelerated construction at the Ochamchire naval base in Abkhazia, allegedly being developed by Russia.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has stated that Ukraine would target Russia’s Black Sea Fleet “wherever it is stationed.” He hinted at potential strikes on Russian-controlled areas of Georgia, including Abkhazia.
**Global Developments**
There is a significant volume of new and long-term orders for drones in Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelensky said. Russia is sending private mercenaries to Syria, according to the Ukrainian military intelligence agency (HUR).
Ukraine is preparing for fresh attacks, and the provision of Western sanctions against Russian banks has forced importers to use complex schemes to pay their Chinese sellers.
**NATO Meeting**
NATO’s two-day ministerial meeting will focus on providing Ukraine with enough military aid to enable it to enter any possible negotiations from a position of strength, Secretary General Mark Rutte said.
The Ukrainian military managed to fend off Russian forces attempting to establish a foothold on the western side of the Oskil River north of Kharkiv Oblast town of Kupiansk.
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