Kremlin official: Russian police and National Guard will stay in Ukraine’s Donbas postwar

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — A senior Kremlin official says Russian police and the National Guard will stay on in eastern Ukraine’s Donbas even if a peace settlement ends the war. Ukraine will likely reject this stance as it indicates Russia intends to maintain a presence in the region. Kremlin adviser Yuri Ushakov said in comments published in a Russian business daily on Friday that Moscow will agree to a ceasefire only after Ukrainian forces withdraw. Ukrainian forces meanwhile said they have recaptured several settlements near Kupiansk in the northeastern Kharkiv region. Russian officials haven’t commented on those claims, which couldn’t be independently verified.

Thailand’s parliament is dissolved for a new election early next year

BANGKOK (AP) — Thailand is preparing for a new election early next year after Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul dissolved the House of Representatives. Anutin’s move received endorsement from King Maha Vajiralongkorn on Thursday. The dissolution became effective with its publication on Friday in the Royal Gazette. The election must be held within 45 to 60 days. Anutin will now lead a caretaker government with limited powers. His decision comes amid political tension and ongoing armed conflict with Cambodia over border disputes. Anutin’s move follows a promise to dissolve parliament by January and organize a referendum on drafting a new constitution in an unusual deal that had the opposition People’s Party back his September bid to become prime minister.

Iran arrests Nobel Peace Prize laureate Narges Mohammadi, supporters say

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Iran has arrested Nobel Peace Prize laureate Narges Mohammadi, according to her supporters. A foundation in her name said she was detained at a memorial for a human rights lawyer recently found dead under unclear circumstances. Her supporters on Friday described her as having been “violently detained earlier today by security and police forces.” They said other activists had been arrested as well at a ceremony honoring Khosrow Alikordi, a 46-year-old Iranian lawyer and human rights advocate. Mohammadi had been serving 13 years and nine months on charges of collusion against state security and propaganda against Iran’s government.

A 6.9 magnitude earthquake causes small tsunami waves off northeastern Japan

TOKYO (AP) — A 6.9 magnitude earthquake shook northeastern Japan and caused small tsunami waves but no apparent damage, days after a stronger quake in the same region. Friday’s quake occurred off the east coast of Aomori prefecture, in the north of Honshu, the main Japanese island. The Japan Meteorological Agency issued a tsunami advisory that was lifted about two hours later. Small waves were reported in Hokkaido and Aomori prefectures, but no serious damage or injuries were reported. The quake followed a 7.5 magnitude earthquake Monday that caused injuries, light damage and a small tsunami on Japan’s Pacific coast. Authorities had warned of possible aftershocks.