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<p>Before taking office, US President-elect Donald Trump announced that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had not been invited to his inauguration ceremony. The statement, made during Trump’s first formal press conference after winning the election, surprised many and hinted at a major foreign policy shift.</p>

<p>While Trump’s team is reportedly working to ease tensions with Russia, maintaining communication with President Vladimir Putin’s office. In addition, Trump confirmed that he had extended an invitation to Chinese President Xi Jinping. However, Xi’s acceptance remains unclear at this stage.</p>

<h2>Trump plans federal changes</h2>

<p>Addressing the media in a sweeping 70-minute news conference, the president-elect outlined plans for a clear break from the Biden administration. Trump criticised the current state of federal governance and promised action to ensure efficiency.</p>

<p>“If federal workers don’t return to the office, they will be fired,” Trump declared firmly. He also revealed that he is “looking at” the possibility of privatising the United States Postal Service.</p>

<p>Trump appeared confident and relaxed, showcasing a greater sense of readiness compared to his transition eight years ago.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/i-cried-for-30-minutes-straight-michelle-obama-on-day-of-donald-trumps-inauguration-in-2017-569923">&nbsp;I cried for 30 minutes straight: Michelle Obama on day of Donald Trump’s inauguration in 2017</a></strong></p>

<h2>Shift in foreign alliances?</h2>

<p>Trump’s decision to exclude Zelensky while reaching out to Putin and Xi marks a notable shift in US diplomacy. Zelensky, a key ally of the Biden administration, had received strong support during his presidency amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.</p>

<p>While Trump avoided further elaboration on Zelensky’s absence, analysts suggest the move is part of his strategy to rebalance US foreign policy.&nbsp;“We are working to stabilise international relations,” Trump stated at the press conference held at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida.<br />
<br />
(<em>With inputs from agencies</em>)&nbsp;</p>


Before taking office, US President-elect Donald Trump announced that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had not been invited to his inauguration ceremony. The statement, made during Trump’s first formal press conference after winning the election, surprised many and hinted at a major foreign policy shift.

Before taking office, US President-elect Donald Trump announced that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had not been invited to his inauguration ceremony. The statement, made during Trump’s first formal press conference after winning the election, surprised many and hinted at a major foreign policy shift. While Trump’s team is reportedly working to ease tensions with Russia, maintaining communication with President Vladimir Putin’s office. In addition, Trump confirmed that he had extended an invitation to Chinese President Xi Jinping. However, Xi’s acceptance remains unclear at this stage. Trump plans federal changes Addressing the media in a sweeping 70-minute news conference, the president-elect outlined plans for a clear break from the Biden administration. Trump criticised the current state of federal governance and promised action to ensure efficiency. “If federal workers don’t return to the office, they will be fired,” Trump declared firmly. He also revealed that he is “looking at” the possibility of privatising the United States Postal Service. Trump appeared confident and relaxed, showcasing a greater sense of readiness compared to his transition eight years ago. Also read: I cried for 30 minutes straight: Michelle Obama on day of Donald Trump’s inauguration in 2017 Shift in foreign alliances? Trump’s decision to exclude Zelensky while reaching out to Putin and Xi marks a notable shift in US diplomacy. Zelensky, a key ally of the Biden administration, had received strong support during his presidency amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. While Trump avoided further elaboration on Zelensky’s absence, analysts suggest the move is part of his strategy to rebalance US foreign policy. “We are working to stabilise international relations,” Trump stated at the press conference held at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida. (With inputs from agencies)

Trump inauguration: Zelensky not invited, but US president-elect says 'would love to have' Xi Jinping

A top Russian General accused of using chemical weapons in the invasion of Ukraine has died after a bomb went off at the entrance to his home in Moscow on Tuesday. Watch for more details!

Russia-Ukraine War: Head Of Russia’s Nuclear Defence Forces Killed In Moscow Blast

A top Russian general accused of using chemical weapons in the invasion of Ukraine has died after a bomb went off at the entrance to his home in Moscow on Tuesday. Watch for more details!

Russia-Ukraine War: Top Russian General Killed In Moscow Blast

Russian President Vladimir Putin declared 2024 a landmark year in Russia's military campaign against Ukraine, hailing accelerating advances and issuing yet another warning to Western nations about crossing Russia's red lines. Our next story takes a look at how Russia will intensify its offensive and the conflict will take a grim turn, raising questions about the future of Western support for Ukraine. Watch in for more details!



Russia-Ukraine War: Putin Warns West: Don't Cross Russia's Red Lines

Russia-Ukraine War: Blackouts Add To Ukraine's Winter Woes

<p><span class="region">Kyiv, Ukraine</span>
<p>Ukraine's military agency on Monday (Dec 16) claimed that around 30 North Korean troops were killed or wounded in Russia's Kursk border region. This comes as the first reported casualties since Kyiv announced that Pyongyang has sent 10,000 troops to Russia to help in its war with Ukraine. </p></p>
<p>Pentagon and Ukraine have claimed that North Korean soldiers have been deployed to help Russia in its war with Ukraine. </p>
<p>The North Korean units were involved in assaults on the weekend near three villages, according to Ukraine’s defence intelligence service. </p>
<p>They added that three North Korean soldiers went missing during clashes near the villages of Pleskhovo, Vorozhba, and Martynovka close to the border.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, earlier, a Ukrainian frontline drone unit posted a video on Sunday, showing the bodies of more than 20 North Korean soldiers lined up in an icy field. However, the quality of the video was not good enough to verify their identity, reported CNN. </p>
<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraines-zelensky-says-russia-using-noticeable-number-of-north-korean-soldiers-in-kursk-assaults-784053"><strong>Also read: Ukraine's Zelensky says Russia using 'noticeable' number of North Korean soldiers in Kursk assaults</strong></a></p>
<p>Last month, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that North Korean troops deployed to Kursk have been involved in the war. </p>
<h2><strong>North Korea's involvement in war 'dangerous expansion'</strong></h2>
<p>The US, ten other countries, and the EU, in a joint statement, called North Korea's growing involvement in Russia's war in Ukraine a "dangerous expansion". </p>
<p>"Direct DPRK support for Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine marks a dangerous expansion of the conflict, with serious consequences for European and Indo-Pacific security," the statement said, referring to North Korea by its official acronym.</p>
<p><strong>Watch | Russia-Ukraine War: Zelensky Accuses Russia Of Deploying North Korean Troops In Kursk</strong></p>
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<p>The joint statement was signed by the foreign ministers of Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the high representative of the European Union. </p>
<p>They added that they were "deeply concerned about any political, military, or economic support that Russia may be providing to the DPRK's illegal weapons programmes, including weapons of mass destruction."</p>
<p><em>Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos</em></p>
<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The North Korean units were involved in assaults at the weekend near three villages, according to Ukraine’s defence intelligence service. 



Kyiv, Ukraine Ukraine's military agency on Monday (Dec 16) claimed that around 30 North Korean troops were killed or wounded in Russia's Kursk border region. This comes as the first reported casualties since Kyiv announced that Pyongyang has sent 10,000 troops to Russia to help in its war with Ukraine. Pentagon and Ukraine have claimed that North Korean soldiers have been deployed to help Russia in its war with Ukraine. The North Korean units were involved in assaults on the weekend near three villages, according to Ukraine’s defence intelligence service. They added that three North Korean soldiers went missing during clashes near the villages of Pleskhovo, Vorozhba, and Martynovka close to the border. Meanwhile, earlier, a Ukrainian frontline drone unit posted a video on Sunday, showing the bodies of more than 20 North Korean soldiers lined up in an icy field. However, the quality of the video was not good enough to verify their identity, reported CNN. Also read: Ukraine's Zelensky says Russia using 'noticeable' number of North Korean soldiers in Kursk assaults Last month, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that North Korean troops deployed to Kursk have been involved in the war. North Korea's involvement in war 'dangerous expansion' The US, ten other countries, and the EU, in a joint statement, called North Korea's growing involvement in Russia's war in Ukraine a "dangerous expansion". "Direct DPRK support for Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine marks a dangerous expansion of the conflict, with serious consequences for European and Indo-Pacific security," the statement said, referring to North Korea by its official acronym. Watch | Russia-Ukraine War: Zelensky Accuses Russia Of Deploying North Korean Troops In Kursk × The joint statement was signed by the foreign ministers of Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the high representative of the European Union. They added that they were "deeply concerned about any political, military, or economic support that Russia may be providing to the DPRK's illegal weapons programmes, including weapons of mass destruction." Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos (With inputs from agencies)

Russia-Ukraine war: Kyiv claims killing or injuring 30 North Korean soldiers in Kursk region

Russian President Vladimir Putin declared 2024 a landmark year in Russia's military campaign against Ukraine, hailing accelerating advances and issuing yet another warning to Western nations about crossing Russia's red lines. Our next story takes a look at how Russia will intensify its offensive and the conflict will take a grim turn, raising questions about the future of Western support for Ukraine. Watch in for more details!

Russia Advances At Fastest Pace, Ukraine Crumbles

<p>Ukraine's military agency on Monday (Dec 16) claimed that around 30 North Korean troops were killed or wounded in Russia's Kursk border region. This comes as the first reported casualties since Kyiv announced that Pyongyang has sent 10,000 troops to Russia to help in its war with Ukraine.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Pentagon and Ukraine have claimed that North Korean soldiers have been deployed to help Russia in its war with Ukraine.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The North Korean units were involved in assaults on the weekend near three villages, according to Ukraine’s defence intelligence service.&nbsp;</p>

<p>They added that three North Korean soldiers went missing during clashes near the villages of Pleskhovo, Vorozhba, and Martynovka close to the border.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, earlier, a Ukrainian frontline drone unit posted a video on Sunday, showing the bodies of more than 20 North Korean soldiers lined up in an icy field. However, the quality of the video was not good enough to verify their identity, reported CNN.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraines-zelensky-says-russia-using-noticeable-number-of-north-korean-soldiers-in-kursk-assaults-784053"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Ukraine's Zelensky says Russia using 'noticeable' number of North Korean soldiers in Kursk assaults</strong></a></p>

<p>Last month, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that North Korean troops deployed to Kursk have been involved in the war.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>North Korea's involvement in war 'dangerous expansion'</strong></h2>

<p>The US, ten other countries, and the EU, in a joint statement, called North Korea's growing involvement in Russia's war in Ukraine a "dangerous expansion".&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Direct DPRK support for Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine marks a dangerous expansion of the conflict, with serious consequences for European and Indo-Pacific security," the statement said, referring to North Korea by its official acronym.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine War: Zelensky Accuses Russia Of Deploying North Korean Troops In Kursk</strong></p>

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<p>The joint statement was signed by the foreign ministers of Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the high representative of the European Union.&nbsp;</p>

<p>They added that they were "deeply concerned about any political, military, or economic support that Russia may be providing to the DPRK's illegal weapons programmes, including weapons of mass destruction."</p>

<p><em>Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos</em></p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Ukraine's military agency on Monday (Dec 16) claimed that around 30 North Korean troops were killed or wounded in Russia's Kursk border region. This comes as the first reported casualties since Kyiv announced that Pyongyang has sent 10,000 troops to Russia to help in its war with Ukraine.

Ukraine's military agency on Monday (Dec 16) claimed that around 30 North Korean troops were killed or wounded in Russia's Kursk border region. This comes as the first reported casualties since Kyiv announced that Pyongyang has sent 10,000 troops to Russia to help in its war with Ukraine. Pentagon and Ukraine have claimed that North Korean soldiers have been deployed to help Russia in its war with Ukraine. The North Korean units were involved in assaults on the weekend near three villages, according to Ukraine’s defence intelligence service. They added that three North Korean soldiers went missing during clashes near the villages of Pleskhovo, Vorozhba, and Martynovka close to the border. Meanwhile, earlier, a Ukrainian frontline drone unit posted a video on Sunday, showing the bodies of more than 20 North Korean soldiers lined up in an icy field. However, the quality of the video was not good enough to verify their identity, reported CNN. Also read: Ukraine's Zelensky says Russia using 'noticeable' number of North Korean soldiers in Kursk assaults Last month, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that North Korean troops deployed to Kursk have been involved in the war. North Korea's involvement in war 'dangerous expansion' The US, ten other countries, and the EU, in a joint statement, called North Korea's growing involvement in Russia's war in Ukraine a "dangerous expansion". "Direct DPRK support for Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine marks a dangerous expansion of the conflict, with serious consequences for European and Indo-Pacific security," the statement said, referring to North Korea by its official acronym. Watch | Russia-Ukraine War: Zelensky Accuses Russia Of Deploying North Korean Troops In Kursk × The joint statement was signed by the foreign ministers of Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the high representative of the European Union. They added that they were "deeply concerned about any political, military, or economic support that Russia may be providing to the DPRK's illegal weapons programmes, including weapons of mass destruction." Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos (With inputs from agencies)

As the Russia-Ukraine war intensifies, questions are rising about Ukraine's ability to withstand the continued Russian offensive. Despite mounting pressure, Ukraine has shown resilience in defending its territories and securing international support. However, the prolonged conflict, heavy casualties, and ongoing destruction have left the country in a fragile position. The outcome of this war depends on military strategies, global alliances, and Ukraine's determination to maintain its sovereignty amid relentless attacks.



Russia-Ukraine War: Can Ukraine Survive Russian Onslaught?

The IMF's watchdog has raised concerns over the fund's handling of major bailouts, including those for Argentina, Ukraine, and Egypt, citing political pressures and inconsistencies in loan decisions. The report questions the effectiveness of the IMF's exceptional access policy, warning that large loans risk damaging the fund's credibility and delaying debt resolution.

IMF Bailouts Under Fire For Political Bias

The IMF's watchdog has raised concerns over the fund's handling of major bailouts, including those for Argentina, Ukraine, and Egypt, citing political pressures and inconsistencies in loan decisions. The report questions the effectiveness of the IMF's exceptional access policy, warning that large loans risk damaging the fund's credibility and delaying debt resolution.



Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has accused Russia of deploying North Korean troops to the Kursk region, a move he claims is part of Moscow's strategy to bolster its military presence in the ongoing conflict. Zelensky's statement highlights growing concerns about Russia's reliance on foreign support, as it continues to face significant resistance from Ukrainian forces. This alleged involvement of North Korean soldiers underscores the increasingly complex and international nature of the war, drawing attention to possible alliances that are reshaping the battlefield dynamics.

Russia-Ukraine War: Zelensky Accuses Russia Of Deploying North Korean Troops In Kursk

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has accused Russia of deploying North Korean troops to the Kursk region, a move he claims is part of Moscow's strategy to bolster its military presence in the ongoing conflict. Zelensky's statement highlights growing concerns about Russia's reliance on foreign support, as it continues to face significant resistance from Ukrainian forces. This alleged involvement of North Korean soldiers underscores the increasingly complex and international nature of the war, drawing attention to possible alliances that are reshaping the battlefield dynamics.



As the Russia-Ukraine war intensifies, questions are rising about Ukraine's ability to withstand the continued Russian offensive. Despite mounting pressure, Ukraine has shown resilience in defending its territories and securing international support. However, the prolonged conflict, heavy casualties, and ongoing destruction have left the country in a fragile position. The outcome of this war depends on military strategies, global alliances, and Ukraine's determination to maintain its sovereignty amid relentless attacks.

Russia faces a triple threat… Rising inflation, soaring defence spending, and tightening household budgets. With inflation expected to reach 9 percent this year and interest rates climbing to 21 percent, many Russians are struggling to afford daily necessities. Take a look at our next report for more on the ‘cost of war’.

Military Spending Soars While Russians Battle Daily Expenses

Russia has launched attacks on Ukraine's power facilities, causing widespread blackouts and disruptions. The strikes are part of ongoing efforts to weaken Ukraine's infrastructure amid the ongoing conflict.

Russia-Ukraine War: Russia Keen On Maximizing Gains Ahead Of Trump's Inauguration

Russia-Ukraine War: Russia Takes 60% of Donetsk, Fastest Advance Since Ukraine Invasion

In the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, former U.S. President Donald Trump criticized the idea of using U.S. weapons to strike Russia, calling it a "foolish" approach. His remarks add to the growing debate surrounding the U.S.'s role in the conflict, as tensions rise between NATO allies and Russia. Trump’s statement highlights concerns about escalating the war and the potential consequences of deeper involvement.

Russia-Ukraine War: Trump Says Using US Weapons To Strike Russia A 'Foolish' Idea

Russia launched massive aerial attacks on Ukraine, firing 93 missiles and nearly 200 drones. Watch here to learn more!

Russia-Ukraine War: Russia Launches ' Most Massive Aerial Attack' On Ukraine

International trade settlements are becoming more and more delayed, leading to an accumulation of proceeds from Russian exports abroad. This is driven by u.S. Pressure on financial institutions in nations that are still favourable to the Kremlin.

Proceeds From Russian Exports Are Accumulating Abroad

The Russia-Ukraine war continues to intensify, with Ukraine facing significant setbacks along multiple frontlines. Reports of heavy casualties and strategic losses are adding to the growing challenges for Ukraine's military and civilians.

Russia-Ukraine: Bad News For Kyiv Across Frontlines, West Faces Stark Choice | WION | World News

In the midst of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, NATO Chief Mark Rutte has raised an alarm over the low defense spending of European nations. At an address on Thursday, the military bloc's General Secretary warned that NATO countries were not ready for the threats they face from Russia. Mark Rutte said that the future spending of the alliance would have to be much higher than the target of 2%. Watch in for more details!

Russia-Ukraine War: NATO Chief Calls For Much Higher Defence Spending To Counter Russia

Russia-Ukraine War: NATO Chief Mark Rutte Says, 'Time To Shift To Wartime Mindset'

Russia-Ukraine War: NATO Chief Warns West Must Switch To A Wartime Mindset | WION | World News

Russia has warned it will retaliate to Ukraine’s recent attack on a southern airfield with U.S.-supplied ATACMS missiles. On Wednesday, the U.S. warned that Russia might soon use Oreshnik missiles against Ukraine again. Can the U.S. stop Russia’s Oreshnik? Will this strike escalate the war further?

Russia to Use Oreshnik Missiles on Ukraine: US | GRAVITAS

Ukraine has fired U.S.-supplied missiles deep into Russian territory, marking a significant escalation in the conflict. The attack targets strategic Russian sites as tensions continue to rise.

Russia-Ukraine War: Ukraine Losing Ground to Relentless Russian Attacks

Russia-Ukraine War: Ukraine is Losing & the West Faces a Stark Choice

Russia on Wednesday vowed retribution against Ukraine, accusing Kyiv of firing Western-supplied missiles on a military airfield in its southern Rostov region.

US Warns Russia May Be Ready To Use New Lethal Missile Against Ukraine | World DNA | WION

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