Ukrainian troops have shelled the Russian city of Donetsk, local authorities said in the early hours of Monday, urging residents to seek shelter.  Casualties were reported after the city center was hit by “a massive barrage,” news agency TASS said, citing emergency services.

Russian natural gas production has continued to grow in annual terms for the fourth month in a row in November, reaching nearly 60 billion cubic meters, business daily Kommersant reported this week, citing official data.

Iran and Russia have officially abandoned the US dollar for mutual settlements after the countries finalized an agreement to trade in the ruble and the rial, Iranian news agency IRNA reported this week. The agreement was sealed during a meeting in Russia between the heads of the central banks of the two countries, the outlet said.