Moscow
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Russian President Vladimir Putin said Thursday he was ready for talks "anytime" with US President-elect Donald Trump, who has touted his ability to strike a Ukraine peace deal  within hours of coming to office.
Trump, who will return to the White House in January, has stoked fears in Kyiv that he could force Ukraine to accept peace on terms favourable to Moscow.
Holding his annual end-of-year press conference, the Kremlin leader said his troops held the upper hand across the battlefield but was forced to admit he does not know when Russia will take back the western Kursk region where Ukrainian troops launched an incursion in August.
The traditional annual question and answer sessions, often lasting hours, are largely a televised show while also being a rare setting in which he is put on the spot and answers some uncomfortable questions.
Asked about Trump's overtures regarding a possible peace deal, Putin, 72, said he would welcome a meeting with the incoming Republican.
"I don't know when I'm going to see him. He isn't saying anything about it. I haven't talked to him in more than four years. I am ready for it, of course. Any time," Putin said.
Watch | IDF Confirms Intercepting Missiles Fired By Houthis
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"If we ever have a meeting with President-elect Trump, I am sure we'll have a lot to talk about," he said, adding that Russia was ready for "negotiations and compromises".
<h2>Kursk offensive </h2>
Russia's troops have been advancing in eastern Ukraine for months, with Putin repeatedly touting their prowess on the battlefield.
But asked by a woman from the Kursk region when residents would be able to return to their homes there after thousands were evacuated from frontline areas amid the Ukrainian assault, Putin said he could not name a date.
"We will kick them out. Absolutely. It can't be any other way. But the question of a specific date, I'm sorry, I cannot say right now," he admitted.
Putin was also pressed on economic headwinds facing Russia—the fallout from a huge ramp-up in military spending and deep labour shortages caused by the conflict.
He insisted that the situation is "stable, despite external threats", citing low unemployment and industrial growth.
Asked about soaring inflation, Putin said that "inflation is a worrying signal," and that price rises for foods such as butter and meat are "unpleasant".
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-doubts-israel-main-beneficiary-of-assad-regimes-fall-would-withdraw-troops-from-buffer-zone-785332">Putin doubts Israel, 'main beneficiary of Assad regime's fall', would withdraw troops from buffer zone</a>
He acknowledged that Western sanctions were also a factor—"while"they do not have key significance"—and" criticised the central bank, saying it should have taken measures beyond raising rates to lower inflation.
<h2>Oreshnik 'duel'</h2>
Putin appeared to repeat his threat to strike Kyiv with Russia's new hypersonic ballistic missile, dubbed Oreshnik.
Asked by a military journalist if the weapon had any flaws, Putin suggested a "hi-tech duel" between the West and Russia to test his claims that it is impervious to air defences.
"Let them set some target to be hit, let's say in Kyiv. They will concentrate there all their air defences. And we will launch an Oreshnik strike there and see what happens," Putin  proposed.
Putin also called the killing of a senior Russian army general in a brazen assassination in Moscow two days earlier "terrorism", in his first comments on the attack, while also slamming failings by security services.
Igor Kirillov, the head of the Russian military's chemical weapons unit, was killed by a bomb planted in a scooter outside a residential block in Moscow, the boldest assassination claimed by Kyiv since the start of the conflict. Russia has since arrested the suspected perpetrator.
"Our special services are missing these hits," the former KGB agent said in a rare admission of failures by the security services, listing other recent killings.
"We must not allow such very serious blunders to happen," he said.
<h2>Assad's fall not a 'defeat'</h2>
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In his first public comments since the fall of ex-Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, Putin  rejected claims that his toppling was a "defeat" for Russia.
"You want to present what is happening in Syria as a defeat for Russia. I assure you it is not," Putin said in response to a question from a journalist.
"We came to Syria 10 years ago so that a terrorist enclave would not be created there like in Afghanistan. On the whole, we have achieved our goal," Putin said.
Putin said he has not yet met Assad, who fled to Moscow as rebels closed in on Damascus, but plans to soon.
The Kremlin chief said Israel was the "main beneficiary" of events in Syria and called for it to withdraw troops from the "territory of Syria".
Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

The traditional annual question and answer sessions, often lasting hours, are largely a televised show while also being a rare setting in which he is put on the spot and answers some uncomfortable questions.



Moscow Russian President Vladimir Putin said Thursday he was ready for talks "anytime" with US President-elect Donald Trump, who has touted his ability to strike a Ukraine peace deal within hours of coming to office. Trump, who will return to the White House in January, has stoked fears in Kyiv that he could force Ukraine to accept peace on terms favourable to Moscow. Holding his annual end-of-year press conference, the Kremlin leader said his troops held the upper hand across the battlefield but was forced to admit he does not know when Russia will take back the western Kursk region where Ukrainian troops launched an incursion in August. The traditional annual question and answer sessions, often lasting hours, are largely a televised show while also being a rare setting in which he is put on the spot and answers some uncomfortable questions. Asked about Trump's overtures regarding a possible peace deal, Putin, 72, said he would welcome a meeting with the incoming Republican. "I don't know when I'm going to see him. He isn't saying anything about it. I haven't talked to him in more than four years. I am ready for it, of course. Any time," Putin said. Watch | IDF Confirms Intercepting Missiles Fired By Houthis "If we ever have a meeting with President-elect Trump, I am sure we'll have a lot to talk about," he said, adding that Russia was ready for "negotiations and compromises". Kursk offensive Russia's troops have been advancing in eastern Ukraine for months, with Putin repeatedly touting their prowess on the battlefield. But asked by a woman from the Kursk region when residents would be able to return to their homes there after thousands were evacuated from frontline areas amid the Ukrainian assault, Putin said he could not name a date. "We will kick them out. Absolutely. It can't be any other way. But the question of a specific date, I'm sorry, I cannot say right now," he admitted. Putin was also pressed on economic headwinds facing Russia—the fallout from a huge ramp-up in military spending and deep labour shortages caused by the conflict. He insisted that the situation is "stable, despite external threats", citing low unemployment and industrial growth. Asked about soaring inflation, Putin said that "inflation is a worrying signal," and that price rises for foods such as butter and meat are "unpleasant". Also read | Putin doubts Israel, 'main beneficiary of Assad regime's fall', would withdraw troops from buffer zone He acknowledged that Western sanctions were also a factor—"while"they do not have key significance"—and" criticised the central bank, saying it should have taken measures beyond raising rates to lower inflation. Oreshnik 'duel' Putin appeared to repeat his threat to strike Kyiv with Russia's new hypersonic ballistic missile, dubbed Oreshnik. Asked by a military journalist if the weapon had any flaws, Putin suggested a "hi-tech duel" between the West and Russia to test his claims that it is impervious to air defences. "Let them set some target to be hit, let's say in Kyiv. They will concentrate there all their air defences. And we will launch an Oreshnik strike there and see what happens," Putin proposed. Putin also called the killing of a senior Russian army general in a brazen assassination in Moscow two days earlier "terrorism", in his first comments on the attack, while also slamming failings by security services. Igor Kirillov, the head of the Russian military's chemical weapons unit, was killed by a bomb planted in a scooter outside a residential block in Moscow, the boldest assassination claimed by Kyiv since the start of the conflict. Russia has since arrested the suspected perpetrator. "Our special services are missing these hits," the former KGB agent said in a rare admission of failures by the security services, listing other recent killings. "We must not allow such very serious blunders to happen," he said. Assad's fall not a 'defeat' Also read | France mass rape trial: Who are the 51 men accused of raping Gisèle Pelicot? In his first public comments since the fall of ex-Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, Putin rejected claims that his toppling was a "defeat" for Russia. "You want to present what is happening in Syria as a defeat for Russia. I assure you it is not," Putin said in response to a question from a journalist. "We came to Syria 10 years ago so that a terrorist enclave would not be created there like in Afghanistan. On the whole, we have achieved our goal," Putin said. Putin said he has not yet met Assad, who fled to Moscow as rebels closed in on Damascus, but plans to soon. The Kremlin chief said Israel was the "main beneficiary" of events in Syria and called for it to withdraw troops from the "territory of Syria". Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Putin ready to meet Trump 'anytime' to talk Ukraine deal

The UN envoy to Syria called on Wednesday for "free and fair" elections after the ouster of President Bashar al-Assad, voicing hope for a political solution for Kurdish-held areas.

Syria Civil War: UN Calls For 'Free And Fair' Elections In Syria

Syria's new rulers are reaching out to countries that once treated Bashar al-Assad as a global pariah. The rebels in Damascus are promising to usher in change. Yet, in a startling twist, it now appears Assad, who is a trained doctor, performed his most intricate operation by handing out military secrets to Israel before fleeing to Moscow. Watch in for more details!

Syria War: Did Assad & Netanyahu Work Together To Cripple The Rebels?

Following Bashar al-Assad fleeing the country after a rebel offensive led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), all eyes are on what lies ahead and the shape that the transitional government in the country will take. Here are the key developments and their implications. Watch in for more details!

GRAVITAS: Syria's People Must be Allowed To Determine Their Future: UNSC

The UN Security Council has called for an inclusive and Syrian-led political process to be implemented in West Asia, following the ousting of Bashar Al-Assad. The council emphasized that the people of Syria should have the right to determine their own future. In a press statement, which was supported by both the United States and Assad's ally, Russia, the council also urged Syria and its neighboring countries to avoid any actions that could undermine regional security. Watch this report for more details!

Syria's People Must Be Allowed To Determine Their Future: UNSC

The UN Security Council on Tuesday called for an “inclusive and Syrian-led” political process to be implemented after Bashar al-Assad’s ouster, saying the country’s people must be allowed to determine their future. Watch this report for more details!

UN Security Council Calls for Syrian-Led Political Process

Here we bring you a quick round-up of all the latest news and top headlines from all across the globe: 



- Netanyahu visits Mount Hermon, vows to protect Israel's security 

- Former hostages urge Israel to secure release of captives in Gaza

- US denies roll in Kirillov killing 

- Trump threatens India with reciprocal tariff

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Donald Trump has filed a lawsuit against the Des Moines Register and its pollster, Ann Selzer, claiming election interference following the publication of a poll he believes is biased against him.

Donald Trump Sues Des Moines Register and Selzer, Alleging ‘Election Interference’

Donald Trump has filed a lawsuit against the Des Moines Register and its pollster, Ann Selzer, claiming election interference following the publication of a poll he believes is biased against him.



"Syria's conflict has not ended" even after the departure of former president Bashar al-Assad, the UN's envoy to the country has warned, highlighting clashes between Turkish-backed and Kurdish groups in the north. Watch this report for more details!

Syria's Conflict 'Has Not Ended', UN Envoy Warns

"Syria's conflict has not ended" even after the departure of former president Bashar al-Assad, the UN's envoy to the country has warned, highlighting clashes between Turkish-backed and Kurdish groups in the north. Watch this report for more details!



Former President Donald Trump has criticized Turkey's actions in Syria, describing them as an "unfriendly takeover" amid ongoing tensions in the region. His remarks add to the complexity of US-Turkey relations.

USA: Trump Calls Rebellion In Syria 'Unfriendly Takeover' By Turkiye

Former President Donald Trump has criticized Turkey's actions in Syria, describing them as an "unfriendly takeover" amid ongoing tensions in the region. His remarks add to the complexity of US-Turkey relations.



UN Envoy For Syria Warns That Conflict Has Not Ended In Country

Here we bring you a quick round-up of all the latest news and top headlines from all across the globe: - Netanyahu visits Mount Hermon, vows to protect Israel's security - Former hostages urge Israel to secure release of captives in Gaza - US denies roll in Kirillov killing - Trump threatens India with reciprocal tariff

Tehran 
Iran's supreme leader said Tuesday that Israel and the United States were "completely wrong" to imagine the Tehran-backed axis of resistance had collapsed with the ouster of Syria's longtime strongman.
"With the developments in Syria and the crimes the Zionist regime is committing and the crimes that America is committing, and the help that some others are giving to them, they thought that the resistance was over," Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said in a televised speech. 
Watch | How Coffee Promotes Good Bacteria?
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"They are completely wrong," he added. 
On December 8, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad fled the country as rebel forces entered the capital Damascus after a lightning offensive. 
Fellow Axis members Hamas and Hezbollah have also suffered heavy losses since the Palestinian militant group attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, sparking war in Gaza and later in Lebanon.
Since Assad's fall, Iran has sought to distance itself from the ousted leader, instead emphasising the history of friendship between the two countries. Khamenei has also insisted that Assad's overthrow will not weaken Iran.
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"The Zionist regime imagines it can encircle and eradicate the Hezbollah forces through Syria, but the one who will be eradicated is Israel," Khamenei said on Tuesday.
Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Fellow Axis members Hamas and Hezbollah have also suffered heavy losses since the Palestinian militant group attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, sparking war in Gaza and later in Lebanon.



Tehran Iran's supreme leader said Tuesday that Israel and the United States were "completely wrong" to imagine the Tehran-backed axis of resistance had collapsed with the ouster of Syria's longtime strongman. "With the developments in Syria and the crimes the Zionist regime is committing and the crimes that America is committing, and the help that some others are giving to them, they thought that the resistance was over," Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said in a televised speech. Watch | How Coffee Promotes Good Bacteria? "They are completely wrong," he added. On December 8, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad fled the country as rebel forces entered the capital Damascus after a lightning offensive. Fellow Axis members Hamas and Hezbollah have also suffered heavy losses since the Palestinian militant group attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, sparking war in Gaza and later in Lebanon. Since Assad's fall, Iran has sought to distance itself from the ousted leader, instead emphasising the history of friendship between the two countries. Khamenei has also insisted that Assad's overthrow will not weaken Iran. Also read | Israel arrests Jerusalem man for spying on behalf of Iran "The Zionist regime imagines it can encircle and eradicate the Hezbollah forces through Syria, but the one who will be eradicated is Israel," Khamenei said on Tuesday. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Iran's Khamenei says 'resistance' not over after Assad ouster

Damascus
Iran's foreign ministry said on Tuesday that its embassy in Syrian would reopen once the "necessary conditions" are met, after the diplomatic mission was vandalised following the ouster of Tehran ally Bashar al-Assad.
"The reopening of the embassy in Damascus requires preparations, the most important of which is ensuring the security and safety of the embassy and its staff," said foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei.
He added that work to that end will be pursued "as soon as the necessary conditions are provided", without offering a specific timeline.
The Iranian embassy in Damascus was ransacked after diplomats abandoned it as rebel forces seized the capital and ousted Assad.
Iran had supported Assad throughout Syria's civil war, which began in 2011.
Since his fall, Iran has sought to distance itself from the deposed leader, instead emphasising the history of friendship between the two countries.
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Baqaei said on Tuesday that Iran's "advisory" presence in Syria was "at the invitation of the government".
"We were never in Syria to support a specific person, group or party," he said.
"Our presence in Syria was fundamental and principled, and our withdrawal was responsible."
Baqaei also said that Iran's rival Israel, which has conducted hundreds of air strikes in Syria since Assad's fall and sent troops into a UN-patrolled buffer zone, "severely violated Syria's territorial integrity".
Watch: Syria: Islamic State Planning Mass Prison Break?
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On Monday, EU foreign affairs chief Kaja Kallas said Russia and Iran "should not have a place" in war-torn Syria now that Assad is gone.
Baqaei slammed the remarks as a "joke," adding that the era of foreign powers "trying to dictate (policies) on another region is over."
Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

The Iranian embassy in Damascus was ransacked after diplomats abandoned it as rebel forces seized the capital and ousted Assad.



Damascus Iran's foreign ministry said on Tuesday that its embassy in Syrian would reopen once the "necessary conditions" are met, after the diplomatic mission was vandalised following the ouster of Tehran ally Bashar al-Assad. "The reopening of the embassy in Damascus requires preparations, the most important of which is ensuring the security and safety of the embassy and its staff," said foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei. He added that work to that end will be pursued "as soon as the necessary conditions are provided", without offering a specific timeline. The Iranian embassy in Damascus was ransacked after diplomats abandoned it as rebel forces seized the capital and ousted Assad. Iran had supported Assad throughout Syria's civil war, which began in 2011. Since his fall, Iran has sought to distance itself from the deposed leader, instead emphasising the history of friendship between the two countries. Also read: West Asia crisis: Israel strikes Syria overnight, rebel leader warns of `unwarranted escalation` Baqaei said on Tuesday that Iran's "advisory" presence in Syria was "at the invitation of the government". "We were never in Syria to support a specific person, group or party," he said. "Our presence in Syria was fundamental and principled, and our withdrawal was responsible." Baqaei also said that Iran's rival Israel, which has conducted hundreds of air strikes in Syria since Assad's fall and sent troops into a UN-patrolled buffer zone, "severely violated Syria's territorial integrity". Watch: Syria: Islamic State Planning Mass Prison Break? × On Monday, EU foreign affairs chief Kaja Kallas said Russia and Iran "should not have a place" in war-torn Syria now that Assad is gone. Baqaei slammed the remarks as a "joke," adding that the era of foreign powers "trying to dictate (policies) on another region is over." Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Syria crisis: Iran 'awaiting necessary conditions' to reopen embassy

Iraqi security officials have issued a warning about an imminent mass jailbreak planned by the Islamic State, raising concerns over the safety and stability of the region. Authorities are on high alert as they prepare to thwart the escape attempt and prevent further escalation.

Syria: Islamic State Planning Mass Prison Break?

Donald Trump has labeled Syrian President Bashar al-Assad a "butcher," intensifying tensions in the region. Meanwhile, the Syrian government has called on Russia to reconsider its military presence, signaling potential shifts in the dynamics of the ongoing Syrian conflict.

Trump Labels Assad a 'Butcher' as Syrian Govt Urges Russia To Reconsider Its Presence

Donald Trump has labeled Syrian President Bashar al-Assad a "butcher," intensifying tensions in the region. Meanwhile, the Syrian government has called on Russia to reconsider its military presence, signaling potential shifts in the dynamics of the ongoing Syrian conflict.



Syria: Islamic State Planning Mass Jailbreak, Warn Iraqi Security Officials

Iraqi security officials have issued a warning about an imminent mass jailbreak planned by the Islamic State, raising concerns over the safety and stability of the region. Authorities are on high alert as they prepare to thwart the escape attempt and prevent further escalation.



Iran's supreme leader said Tuesday that Israel and the United States were "completely wrong" to imagine the Tehran-backed axis of&nbsp;resistance&nbsp;had collapsed with the&nbsp;ouster&nbsp;of Syria's longtime strongman.

"With the developments in Syria and the crimes the Zionist regime is committing and the crimes that America is committing, and the help that some others are giving to them, they thought that the&nbsp;resistance&nbsp;was&nbsp;over," Ayatollah Ali&nbsp;Khamenei&nbsp;said in a televised speech.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;How Coffee Promotes Good Bacteria?

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"They are completely&nbsp;wrong," he added.&nbsp;

On December 8, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad&nbsp;fled the country as rebel forces entered the capital Damascus&nbsp;after&nbsp;a lightning offensive.&nbsp;

Fellow Axis members Hamas and Hezbollah have also suffered heavy losses since the Palestinian militant group attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, sparking war in Gaza and later in Lebanon.

Since&nbsp;Assad's fall,&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;has sought to distance itself from the ousted leader, instead emphasising the history of friendship between the two countries.&nbsp;Khamenei&nbsp;has also insisted that&nbsp;Assad's overthrow will not weaken&nbsp;Iran.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-arrests-jerusalem-man-for-spying-on-behalf-of-iran-784740">Israel arrests Jerusalem man for spying on behalf of Iran</a>

"The Zionist regime imagines it can encircle and eradicate the Hezbollah forces through Syria, but the one who will be eradicated is Israel,"&nbsp;Khamenei&nbsp;said on Tuesday.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

&nbsp;

Iran's supreme leader said Tuesday that Israel and the United States were "completely wrong" to imagine the Tehran-backed axis of resistance had collapsed with the ouster of Syria's longtime strongman.

Iran's supreme leader said Tuesday that Israel and the United States were "completely wrong" to imagine the Tehran-backed axis of resistance had collapsed with the ouster of Syria's longtime strongman. "With the developments in Syria and the crimes the Zionist regime is committing and the crimes that America is committing, and the help that some others are giving to them, they thought that the resistance was over," Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said in a televised speech. Watch | How Coffee Promotes Good Bacteria? "They are completely wrong," he added. On December 8, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad fled the country as rebel forces entered the capital Damascus after a lightning offensive. Fellow Axis members Hamas and Hezbollah have also suffered heavy losses since the Palestinian militant group attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, sparking war in Gaza and later in Lebanon. Since Assad's fall, Iran has sought to distance itself from the ousted leader, instead emphasising the history of friendship between the two countries. Khamenei has also insisted that Assad's overthrow will not weaken Iran. Also read | Israel arrests Jerusalem man for spying on behalf of Iran "The Zionist regime imagines it can encircle and eradicate the Hezbollah forces through Syria, but the one who will be eradicated is Israel," Khamenei said on Tuesday. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

A UN envoy called for a quick end to Western sanctions against Syria as the country's new leaders and regional and global powers begin to chart a path forward following the fall of President Bashar Assad.

After Assad's Ouster in Syria, UN Envoy Calls For End to Sanctions

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