With a separatist conflict simmering in eastern Ukraine, land mines are taking a heavy toll on the civilian population. Last year alone, some 600 people -- including many children -- were killed or injured by mines or other explosive devices. (RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service)
Kyiv launches Black Sea missile tests:
Ukraine says it has started two days of missile tests in the Black Sea, as Russia reportedly put its air defense forces on high alert on the annexed Crimean Peninsula.
Military spokesman Volodymyr Kryzhanovsky said on December 1 that the tests near Crimea are being held in accordance with international law.
"Everything is going according to plan," Kryzhanovsky said. "There has been no reaction from the Russian Federation. The Ukrainian military is ready for any scenario."