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Totally stuck on 12D---I can't even think of valid ways to approach it (other than the obvious `usual' ones, which don't produce an answer as far as I can see). Any tips?

The def of 12d is "bug" in the sense of "annoy". The wordplay consists of removing 3 regularly placed letters from "Kremlin" and turning the 4 remaining letters upside down (uprising).

Thanks. I'd got the wordplay (and so can put this in), but I've looked up all 24 possible versions without finding a suitable word! More work needed.

Ignore my last---what a twerp I am!
Got it now.

Delighted to hear it.

Finally figured this out, very clever. 2 loose ends for me - I can't figure out the penultimate across clue (I think the answer is a bird beginning with L), and I haven't discerned the order of the across clues (other than the very clever red herring order).

Thanks

Yes, the penult across clue is a bird beginning with L. It's a somewhat wordy clue to cover the non-entered answer. The remaining three letters are a form of water transport.

The across clues are given in alphabetical order determined by their non-entered solutions.

The last of the puzzles published while I was away. I did not know the thematic work and I realise that I am the poorer for it and may have to acquire a copy. Quite a feat of construction by Cagey and it was certainly testing. I am happy with the completed grid although I still have 6 across entries that I haven’t associated with an across clue.