How fast can the Sukhoi Su-30 fighter jet really fly?

Did China ask its people 'not to respond to aliens'? Origin of bizarre claim on social media

MS Dhoni-CSK Fallout? Report claims failed stake sale talks triggered rift

Scientists reveal the SAFEST COUNTRY when catastrophe strikes the planet

Serial killer on the loose in South Korea's Jeju Island? Fourth body found in three days as more than a dozen people go missing

2/3rd of glacier detached, collapsed: ISRO satellite images reveal what triggered Nepal floods

Trump once again claims without him there would be ‘no Israel right now’

Foreign espionage attacks against German companies surge to 37%, Bitkom report reveals

Blake Lively wins partial legal fee from Justin Baldoni after $8M request

Why is Pakistan deploying Turkish Bayraktar TB2 drones near India border?

'OH MY GOD! We've found other agents!': Investigators discover not one or two, almost 700 OpenAI AI agents went rogue, hacked Hugging Face

Lunar eclipse 2026: India timings, places to see and more. August Blood moon factsheet

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat on global outreach tour 

Both pilots killed as training aircraft crashes in Lucknow – What we know

16-year-old charged with preparing terror attack on kindergarten in Norway

How the S-400 protects itself from enemy attacks

Nepal floods: Over 165 dead, 400 missing; US, India, China, World Bank mobilise aid

India's multi-layered watch: The new surveillance war

5 doomsday planes spotted in US skies hours after CIA director's secret trip to Russia

9/11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed to finally face trial in 2028, nearly 27 years after horrific attacks

Islamabad hospital fire: What we know about one of the biggest facility that housed Imran Khan

Workers run for life while filming Nepal flash flood: Scary new visuals emerge from Rasuwa

Russian military planes enter South Korean air defence zone amid rising tensions with North Korea: What's happening

Ron Weasley Is Back! Rupert Grint set to return to Harry Potter universe on Broadway

400-year-old 'vampire' grave in Poland reveals non-existent genetic lineage

Dolly Parton, global icon and queen of country music, dies at 80

Nepal flash floods: Kailash Mansarovar yatra affected, close to 400 pilgrims out of contact

'If he is dead, they're putting on a pretty good show': Trump casts fresh doubt over Mojtaba Khamenei's fate

Man arrested near US Capitol with guillotine in pickup truck: What happened?

Why the Su-30MKI cockpit is painted bright turquoise green

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed vengeance against Hamas after it 'parades dead bodies' of Israeli hostages.
In other news, new Delhi CM Rekha Gupta has announced cabinet portfolio allocation.
Meanwhile, the US envoy has cancelled a press conference in Kyiv after meeting with Zelensky as both nations engage in war of words
Click on the headlines for more
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/death-cult-netanyahu-vows-vengeance-against-hamas-after-it-parades-dead-bodies-of-israeli-hostages-8741079" rel="dofollow">'Death cult': Netanyahu vows vengeance against Hamas after it 'parades dead bodies' of Israeli hostages</a>
<img src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/1280x0/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/02/20/pbE3XnZHQVR3HsC7Dh4d.png" alt=" Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Photograph: (Reuters) " style="width: 1280px;">
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday (Feb 20) slammed the Palestinian militant group Hamas as a "death cult" after it displayed coffins containing the bodies of four Israeli hostages.&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-cm-rekha-gupta-announces-cabinet-portfolio-allocation-check-who-gets-what-8741294" rel="dofollow">Delhi CM Rekha Gupta announces cabinet portfolio allocation. Check who gets what</a>
<img src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/02/20/JltTSuEjQj6TW3lVL5aP.png" alt=" Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta Photograph: (X/BJPDelhi) ">
Following her grand swearing-in ceremony on Thursday (Feb 20) at the Ramlila Maidan, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Rekha Gupta assumed duties as the chief minister of Delhi.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-envoy-keith-kellogg-cancels-press-conference-in-ukraines-kyiv-after-meeting-with-volodymyr-zelensky-as-both-nations-engage-in-war-of-words-8741256" rel="dofollow">US envoy cancels press conference in Kyiv after meeting with Zelensky as both nations engage in war of words</a>
<img src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/02/20/hMx0P3XhmAOjp0aa8sHY.png" alt=" Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and US envoy Keith Kellogg Photograph: (Reuters) ">
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Thursday (Feb 20) is meeting US envoy Keith Kellogg in Kyiv as the American diplomat is on a three-day visit to the war-torn country.&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-refuses-to-co-sponsor-un-draft-resolution-backing-ukraine-report-8741220" rel="dofollow">US refuses to co-sponsor UN draft resolution backing Ukraine: Report</a>
<img src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/02/19/8SMXyVuKvMhaPBruYgAy.png" alt=" US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy meet at Trump Tower in New York City, on Sept. 27. Photograph: (Reuters) ">
The United States is refusing to co-sponsor a draft United Nations (UN) resolution that backs Kyiv's territorial integrity and condemns Russian aggression, reported Reuters, citing three diplomatic sources. This motion marks three years of the Ukraine war as the nation&rsquo;s most powerful Western ally suggests a potential start shift.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fda-scientists-told-not-to-use-words-women-disabled-elderly-white-house-calls-it-an-error-8740866" rel="dofollow">FDA scientists told not to use words &lsquo;women&rsquo;, &lsquo;disabled&rsquo;, &lsquo;elderly&rsquo;; White House calls it &lsquo;error&rsquo;</a>
<img src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/02/20/HvS0HF1DXUXOc4DWRVJt.png" alt=" Representative Image Photograph: (Reuters) ">
Some of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) scientists have been told to stop using the words "woman", "disabled", and "elderly" in external communications, Reuters reported, citing two sources familiar with the matter.&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/does-trumps-decision-to-stop-usaid-risk-mpox-global-emergency-heres-what-experts-say-8740921">Does Trump&rsquo;s decision to dismantle USAID risk mpox global emergency? Here&rsquo;s what experts say</a>
<img src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/02/20/IHQax8KzSjY0SL7G8TQD.jpg" alt=" Tributes are placed beneath the covered seal of the US Agency for International Development (USAID) at their headquarters in Washington, DC, on February 7, 2025, after US President Donald Trump called for USAID to be shuttered. Photograph: (AFP) ">
The Trump administration&rsquo;s decision to dismantle the US Agency for International Development (USAID) and stop funding for global public health efforts may increase the risk of mpox becoming a global emergency, according to experts and aid workers.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/most-decorated-dog-in-us-history-white-house-hero-hurricane-dies-at-15-8740427" rel="dofollow">&lsquo;Most decorated dog in US history&rsquo;: White House hero Hurricane dies at 15</a>
<img src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/02/20/vX9mjjHZWczRmEHSkw1X.png" alt=" White House hero Hurricane dies at 15 Photograph: (Hurricane&rsquo;s Heroes) ">
K-9 Hurricane, a 15-year-old Belgian Malinois who helped ensure the safety of the White House, died this week.&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/three-years-of-russia-ukraine-war-who-started-it-kremlin-or-kyiv-8741215">Three years of Russia-Ukraine war: Who started it - Kremlin or Kyiv?</a>
<img src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/02/20/nH5xM66wdqEqOdpJKh4f.png" alt=" February 24 marks the third anniversary of Russia&rsquo;s all-out invasion of Ukraine. Photograph: (Reuters, Wion Web Team) ">
February 24 marks three years since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. What Russian President Vladimir Putin initially called a &ldquo;special military operation&rdquo; has since become Europe&rsquo;s largest conflict since World War II.&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/theyre-mocking-our-lord-cynthia-erivo-to-play-jesus-in-a-musical-netizens-slams-8740202" rel="dofollow">&lsquo;They&rsquo;re mocking our lord!&rsquo; Cynthia Erivo to play Jesus in a musical, netizens slam</a>
<img src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/02/20/lzHqdMFKpUbDdTwtJkjl.png" alt=" Cynthia Erivo To Play Jesus Photograph: (X) ">
Cynthia Erivo will play Jesus Christ, but netizens don&rsquo;t seem too thrilled about the news, calling the casting blasphemous. The Hollywood actress, who was last seen in the Oscar-nominated movie Wicked, is set to portray Jesus in Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice&rsquo;s Jesus Christ Superstar at the Hollywood Bowl this summer.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/ind-vs-ban-live-score-updates-champions-trophy-2025-ball-by-ball-updates-and-full-scorecard-india-vs-bangladesh-dubai-international-cricket-stadium-8738242">LIVE | IND vs BAN Live Score, Champions Trophy 2025: India beat Bangladesh by 6 wickets in Dubai</a>
<img src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/02/20/IJMDcT7Oh40Znd5yFJNp.jpg" alt=" LIVE IND vs BAN Live Score, Champions Trophy 2025 ">
Team India start their Champions Trophy 2025 campaign on Thursday (Feb 20) field first against Bangladesh at the Dubai International Stadium. One of the favourites to win the Champions Trophy 2025, India aim to start their campaign on a high before they square off against arch-rivals Pakistan on Sunday (Feb 23). On the other hand, Bangladesh will have a point to prove having reached the semis in the last edition of the Champions Trophy 2025.
&nbsp;
&nbsp;

Stay informed with our curated list of the top global stories, providing insightful coverage and analysis of current events from around the world.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed vengeance against Hamas after it 'parades dead bodies' of Israeli hostages. In other news, new Delhi CM Rekha Gupta has announced cabinet portfolio allocation. Meanwhile, the US envoy has cancelled a press conference in Kyiv after meeting with Zelensky as both nations engage in war of words Click on the headlines for more 'Death cult': Netanyahu vows vengeance against Hamas after it 'parades dead bodies' of Israeli hostages Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday (Feb 20) slammed the Palestinian militant group Hamas as a "death cult" after it displayed coffins containing the bodies of four Israeli hostages. Delhi CM Rekha Gupta announces cabinet portfolio allocation. Check who gets what Following her grand swearing-in ceremony on Thursday (Feb 20) at the Ramlila Maidan, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Rekha Gupta assumed duties as the chief minister of Delhi. US envoy cancels press conference in Kyiv after meeting with Zelensky as both nations engage in war of words Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Thursday (Feb 20) is meeting US envoy Keith Kellogg in Kyiv as the American diplomat is on a three-day visit to the war-torn country. US refuses to co-sponsor UN draft resolution backing Ukraine: Report The United States is refusing to co-sponsor a draft United Nations (UN) resolution that backs Kyiv's territorial integrity and condemns Russian aggression, reported Reuters, citing three diplomatic sources. This motion marks three years of the Ukraine war as the nation’s most powerful Western ally suggests a potential start shift. FDA scientists told not to use words ‘women’, ‘disabled’, ‘elderly’; White House calls it ‘error’ Some of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) scientists have been told to stop using the words "woman", "disabled", and "elderly" in external communications, Reuters reported, citing two sources familiar with the matter. Does Trump’s decision to dismantle USAID risk mpox global emergency? Here’s what experts say The Trump administration’s decision to dismantle the US Agency for International Development (USAID) and stop funding for global public health efforts may increase the risk of mpox becoming a global emergency, according to experts and aid workers. ‘Most decorated dog in US history’: White House hero Hurricane dies at 15 K-9 Hurricane, a 15-year-old Belgian Malinois who helped ensure the safety of the White House, died this week. Three years of Russia-Ukraine war: Who started it - Kremlin or Kyiv? February 24 marks three years since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. What Russian President Vladimir Putin initially called a “special military operation” has since become Europe’s largest conflict since World War II. ‘They’re mocking our lord!’ Cynthia Erivo to play Jesus in a musical, netizens slam Cynthia Erivo will play Jesus Christ, but netizens don’t seem too thrilled about the news, calling the casting blasphemous. The Hollywood actress, who was last seen in the Oscar-nominated movie Wicked, is set to portray Jesus in Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s Jesus Christ Superstar at the Hollywood Bowl this summer. LIVE | IND vs BAN Live Score, Champions Trophy 2025: India beat Bangladesh by 6 wickets in Dubai Team India start their Champions Trophy 2025 campaign on Thursday (Feb 20) field first against Bangladesh at the Dubai International Stadium. One of the favourites to win the Champions Trophy 2025, India aim to start their campaign on a high before they square off against arch-rivals Pakistan on Sunday (Feb 23). On the other hand, Bangladesh will have a point to prove having reached the semis in the last edition of the Champions Trophy 2025.

Top 10 world news: Netanyahu vows vengeance against Hamas; Delhi CM announces portfolio allocation, and more

February 24 marks three years since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. What Russian President Vladimir Putin initially called a &ldquo;special military operation&rdquo; has since become Europe&rsquo;s largest conflict since World War II.&nbsp;
The war has claimed tens of thousands of lives on both sides, displaced millions of Ukrainians, and pushed Russia into isolation from the West.
Recent comments by US President Donald Trump, in which he suggested Ukraine was to blame for starting the war, sparked outrage among Ukrainians.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-war-ukraines-military-spy-suggests-ceasefire-with-russia-could-happen-this-year-8740476" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">'How long, how effective?' Ukraine&rsquo;s military spy suggests ceasefire with Russia could happen this year</a>
Trump made the comments while addressing reporters on February 18 at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, following US-Russia talks in Saudi Arabia about ending the war.&nbsp;
Dismissing concerns that Ukraine had been excluded from the negotiations, he said, &ldquo;I think I have the power to end this war, and I think it&rsquo;s going very well. But today I heard [from Ukraine], &lsquo;Oh well, we weren&rsquo;t invited.&rsquo; Well, you&rsquo;ve been there for three years. You should have ended it three years &ndash; you should have never started it, you could have made a deal.&rdquo;
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky responded on Wednesday, saying that Russia was spreading disinformation.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-war-when-russians-hide-north-koreans-shoot-how-pyongyangs-troops-are-reshaping-8633581" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">'When Russians hide, North Koreans&nbsp;shoot': How Pyongyang's troops are reshaping Russia-Ukraine war</a>
<h2>Who started the Russia-Ukraine war?</h2>
The war began when Russian troops crossed the Ukrainian border on February 24, 2022. Putin justified the invasion with claims that it was necessary to protect Russian-speaking civilians in eastern Ukraine and to prevent Ukraine from joining NATO.
However, tensions between the two nations had been escalating for years. In 2014, Russia annexed Crimea and backed separatist forces in eastern Ukraine&rsquo;s Donbas region, leading to a conflict that lasted for years and resulted in thousands of deaths.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-war-why-ukrainian-soldiers-are-running-away-as-war-with-russia-drags-on-8679412" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">&lsquo;Realised I&rsquo;m nobody, just a number&rsquo;: Why Ukrainian soldiers are running away as war with Russia drags on</a>
By early 2022, Russia had positioned around 150,000 soldiers along Ukraine&rsquo;s borders under the guise of military exercises. Despite assurances from Moscow that there were no plans for an invasion, Russian forces launched airstrikes and crossed into Ukraine on February 24. Putin declared the invasion a &ldquo;special military operation&rdquo; at 6 am Moscow time.
&ldquo;The purpose of this operation is to protect people who, for eight years now, have been facing humiliation and genocide perpetrated by the Kyiv regime,&rdquo; he said in a televised speech.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-war-zelensky-slams-trump-for-living-in-disinformation-bubble-after-false-claim-on-approval-rating-8736468" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">&lsquo;Unfortunate&rsquo;: Zelensky slams Trump for living in &lsquo;disinformation bubble&rsquo; after false claim on approval rating</a>
He added, &ldquo;To this end, we will seek to demilitarise and denazify Ukraine, as well as bring to trial those who perpetrated numerous bloody crimes against civilians, including against citizens of the Russian Federation.&rdquo;
For years, Putin had dismissed Ukraine&rsquo;s sovereignty, claiming that Ukrainians were merely Russians who needed to be reintegrated into Russia.
<h2>Where do we stand now? The human cost of Russia-Ukraine war</h2>
The war has taken a devastating toll. While exact figures remain uncertain, Zelensky recently said that over 46,000 Ukrainian soldiers had been killed since the full-scale invasion began. He also added that &ldquo;tens of thousands&rdquo; of civilians had lost their lives in Russian-occupied areas.
On the Russian side, the most recent official figures from Moscow, released in January 2023, reported just over 6,000 military deaths. However, US and UK estimates suggest the real number is far higher.

Putin justified the invasion with claims that it was necessary to protect Russian-speaking civilians in eastern Ukraine and to prevent Ukraine from joining NATO. World, Ukraine war

February 24 marks three years since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. What Russian President Vladimir Putin initially called a “special military operation” has since become Europe’s largest conflict since World War II. The war has claimed tens of thousands of lives on both sides, displaced millions of Ukrainians, and pushed Russia into isolation from the West. Recent comments by US President Donald Trump, in which he suggested Ukraine was to blame for starting the war, sparked outrage among Ukrainians. Also read: 'How long, how effective?' Ukraine’s military spy suggests ceasefire with Russia could happen this year Trump made the comments while addressing reporters on February 18 at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, following US-Russia talks in Saudi Arabia about ending the war. Dismissing concerns that Ukraine had been excluded from the negotiations, he said, “I think I have the power to end this war, and I think it’s going very well. But today I heard [from Ukraine], ‘Oh well, we weren’t invited.’ Well, you’ve been there for three years. You should have ended it three years – you should have never started it, you could have made a deal.” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky responded on Wednesday, saying that Russia was spreading disinformation. Also read: 'When Russians hide, North Koreans shoot': How Pyongyang's troops are reshaping Russia-Ukraine war Who started the Russia-Ukraine war? The war began when Russian troops crossed the Ukrainian border on February 24, 2022. Putin justified the invasion with claims that it was necessary to protect Russian-speaking civilians in eastern Ukraine and to prevent Ukraine from joining NATO. However, tensions between the two nations had been escalating for years. In 2014, Russia annexed Crimea and backed separatist forces in eastern Ukraine’s Donbas region, leading to a conflict that lasted for years and resulted in thousands of deaths. Also read: ‘Realised I’m nobody, just a number’: Why Ukrainian soldiers are running away as war with Russia drags on By early 2022, Russia had positioned around 150,000 soldiers along Ukraine’s borders under the guise of military exercises. Despite assurances from Moscow that there were no plans for an invasion, Russian forces launched airstrikes and crossed into Ukraine on February 24. Putin declared the invasion a “special military operation” at 6 am Moscow time. “The purpose of this operation is to protect people who, for eight years now, have been facing humiliation and genocide perpetrated by the Kyiv regime,” he said in a televised speech. Also read: ‘Unfortunate’: Zelensky slams Trump for living in ‘disinformation bubble’ after false claim on approval rating He added, “To this end, we will seek to demilitarise and denazify Ukraine, as well as bring to trial those who perpetrated numerous bloody crimes against civilians, including against citizens of the Russian Federation.” For years, Putin had dismissed Ukraine’s sovereignty, claiming that Ukrainians were merely Russians who needed to be reintegrated into Russia. Where do we stand now? The human cost of Russia-Ukraine war The war has taken a devastating toll. While exact figures remain uncertain, Zelensky recently said that over 46,000 Ukrainian soldiers had been killed since the full-scale invasion began. He also added that “tens of thousands” of civilians had lost their lives in Russian-occupied areas. On the Russian side, the most recent official figures from Moscow, released in January 2023, reported just over 6,000 military deaths. However, US and UK estimates suggest the real number is far higher.

Three years of Russia-Ukraine war: Who started it - Kremlin or Kyiv?

The United States is refusing to co-sponsor a draft United Nations (UN) resolution that backs Kyiv's territorial integrity and condemns Russian aggression, reported Reuters, citing three diplomatic sources. This motion marks three years of the Ukraine war as the nation&rsquo;s most powerful Western ally suggests a potential start shift.
The move mirrors the growing rift between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and US President Donald Trump, who is trying to end the war in Ukraine. Recently, top US and Russian officials held talks in Saudi Arabia&rsquo;s Riyadh, without any leaders from Kyiv or Europe.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/federal-govt-should-take-over-washington-dc-trump-slams-city-government-for-not-doing-the-job-8740194">Federal govt should 'take over' Washington, DC: Trump slams city government for 'not doing the job'</a>
<h2>Draft resolution for UNGA</h2>
According to Reuters, the draft resolution for the UN General Assembly condemns Russian aggression and reaffirms a commitment &ldquo;to the sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognised borders.&rdquo;
The US decision not to co-sponsor the motion is a major blow to Ukraine, which has used tens of billions of dollars of US military aid agreed upon under former president Joe Biden's administration.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-war-ukraines-military-spy-suggests-ceasefire-with-russia-could-happen-this-year-8740476">'How long, how effective?' Ukraine&rsquo;s military spy suggests ceasefire with Russia could happen this year</a>
&ldquo;In previous years, the United States has consistently co-sponsored such resolutions in support of a just peace in Ukraine,&rdquo; a source told Reuters on Thursday (Feb 20).
According to the report, the resolution was being sponsored by over 50 nations. However, the source did not identify which countries.
While the deadline to back the draft resolution is not clear, a source said, &ldquo;For now, the situation is they (the US) won't sign it.&rdquo;
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-and-trump-could-meet-before-end-of-february-says-kremlin-report-8736169">Putin and Trump could meet before end of February, says Kremlin: Report</a>
<h2>White House adviser urges Ukraine to &lsquo;tone down&rsquo;</h2>
Meanwhile, the White House continued its efforts to bring the Russia-Ukraine conflict to an end, urging Kyiv to rein in criticism and sign a minerals deal introduced by Trump.
&ldquo;They need to tone it down and take a hard look and sign that deal,&rdquo; Mike Waltz, the White House national security adviser, said in an interview with Fox News. He added that the pushback from Ukraine on the deal is simply unacceptable given everything the US has done for Ukraine.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nobody-excluding-ukraine-from-talks-putin-says-negotiations-key-priority-for-russia-8737304">&lsquo;Nobody excluding Ukraine from talks,&rsquo; Putin says negotiations &lsquo;key priority for Russia&rsquo;</a>
Waltz&rsquo;s remarks come a day after Trump and Zelensky exchanged insults, with Trump calling the Ukrainian leader a dictator and Zelensky saying that the US President was living in a disinformation bubble. However, Waltz said that differences between the US and Ukraine were not irreconcilable, saying &ldquo;The president also said how much he loves the Ukrainian people.&rdquo;
Waltz also denied that US allies and Ukraine were not being consulted in the talks, saying, &ldquo;There&rsquo;s a term for this in diplomacy. It's called shuttle diplomacy, because bringing everybody to the table at once just hasn't worked in the past.&rdquo;
&ldquo;So we&rsquo;ve engaged one side, we&rsquo;ve engaged the other side, and then we&rsquo;re going to have a process moving forward under President Trump&rsquo;s direction and leadership.&rdquo;
(With inputs from agencies)

World | The move mirrors the growing rift between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and US President Donald Trump, who is trying to end the war in Ukraine.

The United States is refusing to co-sponsor a draft United Nations (UN) resolution that backs Kyiv's territorial integrity and condemns Russian aggression, reported Reuters, citing three diplomatic sources. This motion marks three years of the Ukraine war as the nation’s most powerful Western ally suggests a potential start shift. The move mirrors the growing rift between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and US President Donald Trump, who is trying to end the war in Ukraine. Recently, top US and Russian officials held talks in Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh, without any leaders from Kyiv or Europe. Also read | Federal govt should 'take over' Washington, DC: Trump slams city government for 'not doing the job' Draft resolution for UNGA According to Reuters, the draft resolution for the UN General Assembly condemns Russian aggression and reaffirms a commitment “to the sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognised borders.” The US decision not to co-sponsor the motion is a major blow to Ukraine, which has used tens of billions of dollars of US military aid agreed upon under former president Joe Biden's administration. Also read | 'How long, how effective?' Ukraine’s military spy suggests ceasefire with Russia could happen this year “In previous years, the United States has consistently co-sponsored such resolutions in support of a just peace in Ukraine,” a source told Reuters on Thursday (Feb 20). According to the report, the resolution was being sponsored by over 50 nations. However, the source did not identify which countries. While the deadline to back the draft resolution is not clear, a source said, “For now, the situation is they (the US) won't sign it.” Also read | Putin and Trump could meet before end of February, says Kremlin: Report White House adviser urges Ukraine to ‘tone down’ Meanwhile, the White House continued its efforts to bring the Russia-Ukraine conflict to an end, urging Kyiv to rein in criticism and sign a minerals deal introduced by Trump. “They need to tone it down and take a hard look and sign that deal,” Mike Waltz, the White House national security adviser, said in an interview with Fox News. He added that the pushback from Ukraine on the deal is simply unacceptable given everything the US has done for Ukraine. Also read | ‘Nobody excluding Ukraine from talks,’ Putin says negotiations ‘key priority for Russia’ Waltz’s remarks come a day after Trump and Zelensky exchanged insults, with Trump calling the Ukrainian leader a dictator and Zelensky saying that the US President was living in a disinformation bubble. However, Waltz said that differences between the US and Ukraine were not irreconcilable, saying “The president also said how much he loves the Ukrainian people.” Waltz also denied that US allies and Ukraine were not being consulted in the talks, saying, “There’s a term for this in diplomacy. It's called shuttle diplomacy, because bringing everybody to the table at once just hasn't worked in the past.” “So we’ve engaged one side, we’ve engaged the other side, and then we’re going to have a process moving forward under President Trump’s direction and leadership.” (With inputs from agencies)

US refuses to co-sponsor UN draft resolution backing Ukraine: Report

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday (Feb 20) slammed the Palestinian militant group Hamas as a "death cult" after it displayed coffins containing the bodies of four Israeli hostages.&nbsp;
The hostages included a baby and a small child.&nbsp;
&ldquo;Hamas is not a resistance movement. Hamas is a death cult that murders, tortures, and parades dead bodies,&rdquo; government spokesman David Mencer told journalists.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-hoped-prayed-for-different-ending-families-crushed-as-hamas-releases-israeli-hostages-bodies-8740171">&lsquo;We hoped, prayed for a different ending&rsquo;: Families crushed as Hamas releases Israeli hostages&rsquo;&nbsp;bodies</a>
<h2>Netanyahu vows vengeance&nbsp;</h2>
Israeli PM Netanyahu, in a message of victory over Hamas, said, &ldquo;We are all united in unbearable grief.&rdquo;&nbsp;
&ldquo;We all ache with pain that is mixed with rage. We are all furious at the monsters of Hamas,&rdquo; he said, adding that Israel must &ldquo;settle the score with the vile murderers&mdash;and we will settle the score.&rdquo;
The Israeli PM promised to achieve the longstanding goals of the war.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/day-of-grief-for-israel-says-netanyahu-as-hamas-confirms-youngest-hostage-kfir-bibass-body-among-dead-to-be-released-today-8738314">&lsquo;Day of grief&rsquo;, says Netanyahu as Hamas prepares to return baby Kfir Bibas&rsquo;s body</a>
&ldquo;We will bring back all our hostages, destroy the murderers, eliminate Hamas, and together&mdash;with God&rsquo;s help&mdash;we will secure our future,&rdquo; he added.&nbsp;
<h2>'Hamas will be destroyed'&nbsp;</h2>
Israel's Defence Minister Israel Katz vowed to destroy the Palestinian militant group Hamas.
&ldquo;The heart of the entire nation is mourning today,&rdquo; Katz posted on X.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hamas-will-release-all-remaining-israeli-hostages-in-single-swap-during-second-phase-of-gaza-agreement-8737579">Hamas to free 'all Israeli hostages' in single swap during phase two of Gaza truce</a>
&ldquo;Hamas abducted, Hamas murdered, Hamas will be destroyed,&rdquo; he stressed, adding that Israel will take revenge against their enemies and secure its future.
Hamas on Thursday (Feb 20) revealed black coffins in southern Gaza, displaying the names and photos of Shiri Bibas and her two young sons, Ariel and Kfir, pinned to the casket.
According to Hamas, the bodies handed over include those of Oded Lifshitz, 83, along with 32-year-old Shiri Bibas and her two children, who were just nine months and four years old when they were taken hostage.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hamas-hands-over-bodies-of-four-israeli-hostages-including-mother-and-young-sons-8739430">'Our hearts lie in tatters': Israel mourns after receiving bodies of dead Gaza hostages</a>
(With inputs from agencies)

World Middle East: “Hamas is not a resistance movement. Hamas is a death cult that murders, tortures, and parades dead bodies,” government spokesman David Mencer told journalists.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday (Feb 20) slammed the Palestinian militant group Hamas as a "death cult" after it displayed coffins containing the bodies of four Israeli hostages. The hostages included a baby and a small child. “Hamas is not a resistance movement. Hamas is a death cult that murders, tortures, and parades dead bodies,” government spokesman David Mencer told journalists. Also read: ‘We hoped, prayed for a different ending’: Families crushed as Hamas releases Israeli hostages’ bodies Netanyahu vows vengeance Israeli PM Netanyahu, in a message of victory over Hamas, said, “We are all united in unbearable grief.” “We all ache with pain that is mixed with rage. We are all furious at the monsters of Hamas,” he said, adding that Israel must “settle the score with the vile murderers—and we will settle the score.” The Israeli PM promised to achieve the longstanding goals of the war. Also read: ‘Day of grief’, says Netanyahu as Hamas prepares to return baby Kfir Bibas’s body “We will bring back all our hostages, destroy the murderers, eliminate Hamas, and together—with God’s help—we will secure our future,” he added. 'Hamas will be destroyed' Israel's Defence Minister Israel Katz vowed to destroy the Palestinian militant group Hamas. “The heart of the entire nation is mourning today,” Katz posted on X. Also read: Hamas to free 'all Israeli hostages' in single swap during phase two of Gaza truce “Hamas abducted, Hamas murdered, Hamas will be destroyed,” he stressed, adding that Israel will take revenge against their enemies and secure its future. Hamas on Thursday (Feb 20) revealed black coffins in southern Gaza, displaying the names and photos of Shiri Bibas and her two young sons, Ariel and Kfir, pinned to the casket. According to Hamas, the bodies handed over include those of Oded Lifshitz, 83, along with 32-year-old Shiri Bibas and her two children, who were just nine months and four years old when they were taken hostage. Also read: 'Our hearts lie in tatters': Israel mourns after receiving bodies of dead Gaza hostages (With inputs from agencies)

‘Death cult’: Netanyahu vows vengeance against Hamas after it ‘parades dead bodies’ of Israeli hostages

The Trump administration&rsquo;s decision to dismantle the US Agency for International Development (USAID) and stop funding for global public health efforts may increase the risk of mpox becoming a global emergency, according to experts and aid workers.
Experts have warned that freezing the funds could exacerbate the spread of mpox. The World Health Organization (WHO) declared mpox a public health emergency of international concern last year in August as cases surged in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and spread to other African countries. USAID has been working to contain the outbreak through vaccination, testing, and surveillance.
Until weeks ago, the United States has been leading response efforts, with USAID and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) contributing $55 million in emergency assistance last year.
&ldquo;It&rsquo;s a real mistake not to be doing everything we can to control this while we&rsquo;re still able to,&rdquo; The Guardian quoted Stephen Morse as saying, who is a professor of epidemiology at Columbia University focusing on risk assessment of infectious diseases. &ldquo;Taking huge steps backwards is only going to make everything worse.&rdquo;
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/trump-alludes-to-usaid-interference-in-indias-elections-they-were-trying-to-get-somebody-else-elected-8738323">Trump alludes to USAID interference in India's elections: 'They were trying to get somebody else elected'</a>
According to an aid worker, the funding freeze has resulted in some provinces in the country, which depend solely on USAID funds, being stripped of any resources to contain the virus.
&ldquo;We were working on creating a sustainable system that can respond not just to the current mpox outbreak but can be used in the future for any other outbreak, and now we&rsquo;re not sure if that will succeed,&rdquo; said a USAID worker with knowledge of the mpox response, according to The Guardian report.
&ldquo;Just like all these increased cases of Ebola and Marburg in neighbouring countries, it&rsquo;s not if, but when the next one in the DRC will be and how the country is going to be ready.&rdquo;
<h2>Risk of global spread of disease</h2>
Experts have stressed that reducing the aid will not only increase the risk of mpox spreading to other countries but could also increase the chances of mpox of other pandemics reaching the US.
&ldquo;Disaster and catastrophe are the appropriate words for shutting down USAID,&rdquo; a US-based researcher told the Guardian. &ldquo;It&rsquo;s not just about people overseas who will be affected, but there&rsquo;s a likelihood of mpox or the next pandemic spreading to the United States.&rdquo;
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/judge-blocks-trumps-foreign-aid-freeze-as-usaid-faces-mass-layoffs-8721486">Judge blocks Trump&rsquo;s foreign aid freeze as USAID faces mass layoffs</a>
In 2022, a global outbreak of mpox led to over 100,000 being infected in 122 countries, marking the first time the virus spread outside Africa.
While US Secretary of State Marco Rubio issued guidance allowing life-saving assistance through a waiver, USAID workers said no waiver has been approved to continue mpox programmes in the DRC, the report added. Experts argue that this unpredictability makes it challenging to run a disease control programme.
<h2>Legal challenges</h2>
Trump&rsquo;s order has also faced legal troubles, with one federal judge recently ruling to halt the move, giving the government five days to comply. However, aid workers expressed that the ruling has created confusion on how to restart programmes, which may face further cuts in future.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-donald-trump-fires-usaid-inspector-general-report-8714191">US President Donald Trump fires USAID inspector general: Report</a>
USAID workers have also shared how the current situation has been affecting them as their careers remain in limbo after being brought to the US from DRC.
&ldquo;I have been experiencing health consequences related to extreme stress, anguish, and sleep deprivation due to worrying about staff, partners, and the situation in general in DRC and not being able to respond in the way that I normally would,&rdquo; a USAID employee said, as quoted by The Guardian.
(With inputs from agencies)

World | Experts have stressed that reducing the aid will not only increase the risk of mpox spreading to other countries but could also increase the chances of mpox or other pandemics reaching the US.

The Trump administration’s decision to dismantle the US Agency for International Development (USAID) and stop funding for global public health efforts may increase the risk of mpox becoming a global emergency, according to experts and aid workers. Experts have warned that freezing the funds could exacerbate the spread of mpox. The World Health Organization (WHO) declared mpox a public health emergency of international concern last year in August as cases surged in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and spread to other African countries. USAID has been working to contain the outbreak through vaccination, testing, and surveillance. Until weeks ago, the United States has been leading response efforts, with USAID and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) contributing $55 million in emergency assistance last year. “It’s a real mistake not to be doing everything we can to control this while we’re still able to,” The Guardian quoted Stephen Morse as saying, who is a professor of epidemiology at Columbia University focusing on risk assessment of infectious diseases. “Taking huge steps backwards is only going to make everything worse.” Also read | Trump alludes to USAID interference in India's elections: 'They were trying to get somebody else elected' According to an aid worker, the funding freeze has resulted in some provinces in the country, which depend solely on USAID funds, being stripped of any resources to contain the virus. “We were working on creating a sustainable system that can respond not just to the current mpox outbreak but can be used in the future for any other outbreak, and now we’re not sure if that will succeed,” said a USAID worker with knowledge of the mpox response, according to The Guardian report. “Just like all these increased cases of Ebola and Marburg in neighbouring countries, it’s not if, but when the next one in the DRC will be and how the country is going to be ready.” Risk of global spread of disease Experts have stressed that reducing the aid will not only increase the risk of mpox spreading to other countries but could also increase the chances of mpox of other pandemics reaching the US. “Disaster and catastrophe are the appropriate words for shutting down USAID,” a US-based researcher told the Guardian. “It’s not just about people overseas who will be affected, but there’s a likelihood of mpox or the next pandemic spreading to the United States.” Also read | Judge blocks Trump’s foreign aid freeze as USAID faces mass layoffs In 2022, a global outbreak of mpox led to over 100,000 being infected in 122 countries, marking the first time the virus spread outside Africa. While US Secretary of State Marco Rubio issued guidance allowing life-saving assistance through a waiver, USAID workers said no waiver has been approved to continue mpox programmes in the DRC, the report added. Experts argue that this unpredictability makes it challenging to run a disease control programme. Legal challenges Trump’s order has also faced legal troubles, with one federal judge recently ruling to halt the move, giving the government five days to comply. However, aid workers expressed that the ruling has created confusion on how to restart programmes, which may face further cuts in future. Also read | US President Donald Trump fires USAID inspector general: Report USAID workers have also shared how the current situation has been affecting them as their careers remain in limbo after being brought to the US from DRC. “I have been experiencing health consequences related to extreme stress, anguish, and sleep deprivation due to worrying about staff, partners, and the situation in general in DRC and not being able to respond in the way that I normally would,” a USAID employee said, as quoted by The Guardian. (With inputs from agencies)

Does Trump’s decision to dismantle USAID risk mpox global emergency? Here’s what experts say

Some of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) scientists have been told to stop using the words "woman", "disabled", and "elderly" in external communications, Reuters reported, citing two sources familiar with the matter.&nbsp;
The FDA scientists said that a list with the file name "prohibited words" has been circulating since at least last week in official chats.&nbsp;
As the issue came under the spotlight, the White House spokesman said that a part of the list of banned terms had misinterpreted President Donald Trump's executive order.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/deloitte-orders-us-staff-to-remove-gender-pronouns-from-email-amid-trumps-crackdown-on-transgenders-8712132">Deloitte orders US staff to remove gender pronouns from email amid Trump's crackdown on transgenders</a>
The list is creating further confusion at an agency struggling with the Trump administration's sweeping firings.&nbsp;
Two FDA scientists, who requested anonymity, said that neither they nor their managers knew who issued the directive or why many of the more than two dozen words were included.&nbsp;
"I don't understand why we can't use a word like 'woman'," one FDA source who received the list told Reuters. "The words on the list would make it almost impossible to do our jobs."
The list reviewed by Reuters includes words like underrepresented, underserved, understudied, sex, identity, diverse, women, woman, promote, definition, continuum, ideology, self-assessed, special populations, elderly, and disabled.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/transgenders-people-with-history-of-gender-dysphoria-can-no-longer-join-us-military-defense-secretary-hegseth-memo-enforces-trumps-order-8709166">Transgenders, people with 'history of gender dysphoria' can no longer join US military: Hegseth memo</a>
Meanwhile, in recent weeks, another federal health agency was told to remove words such as gender, transgender, LGBT, and nonbinary from its communications to ensure that they comply with executive orders.&nbsp;
To follow the order, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention removed publicly available health information, including HIV datasets, and withdrew research papers that were being considered for publication in scientific journals for review by Trump appointees.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/american-transgenders-woe-as-passport-process-gets-complicated-for-them-amid-trumps-new-policy-8703305">Transgender Americans face complicated passport process amid Trump's new policy</a>
<h2>White House calls it an &lsquo;error&rsquo;</h2>
The White House spokesman told Reuters that most of the words on the FDA list did not need to be removed from communications, adding that an error may have resulted from the FDA officials misinterpreting Trump's executive order against "gender ideology."
Further clarifying, the spokesman said that the FDA does need to prohibit the use of the words gender, inclusion, identity, diversity, inter, intersex, equity, equitable, transgender, and trans to comply with the order.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-to-sign-executive-order-banning-transgender-from-female-sports-8694059">Trump to sign executive order banning transgender athletes from female sports</a>
<h2>Public health experts react</h2>
The experts stressed that such a move can threaten their ability to address all kinds of medical needs as they affect different groups, including those with HIV and sexually transmitted diseases.&nbsp;
Moreover, the two FDA sources said that their colleagues told them the list had originated within the Center for Devices and Radiological Health, which has more than 2,000 workers and is tasked with ensuring the safety and efficacy of medical devices.
(With inputs from agencies)

World: As the issue came under the spotlight, the White House spokesman said that a part of the list of banned terms had misinterpreted President Donald Trump’s executive order.

Some of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) scientists have been told to stop using the words "woman", "disabled", and "elderly" in external communications, Reuters reported, citing two sources familiar with the matter. The FDA scientists said that a list with the file name "prohibited words" has been circulating since at least last week in official chats. As the issue came under the spotlight, the White House spokesman said that a part of the list of banned terms had misinterpreted President Donald Trump's executive order. Also read: Deloitte orders US staff to remove gender pronouns from email amid Trump's crackdown on transgenders The list is creating further confusion at an agency struggling with the Trump administration's sweeping firings. Two FDA scientists, who requested anonymity, said that neither they nor their managers knew who issued the directive or why many of the more than two dozen words were included. "I don't understand why we can't use a word like 'woman'," one FDA source who received the list told Reuters. "The words on the list would make it almost impossible to do our jobs." The list reviewed by Reuters includes words like underrepresented, underserved, understudied, sex, identity, diverse, women, woman, promote, definition, continuum, ideology, self-assessed, special populations, elderly, and disabled. Also read: Transgenders, people with 'history of gender dysphoria' can no longer join US military: Hegseth memo Meanwhile, in recent weeks, another federal health agency was told to remove words such as gender, transgender, LGBT, and nonbinary from its communications to ensure that they comply with executive orders. To follow the order, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention removed publicly available health information, including HIV datasets, and withdrew research papers that were being considered for publication in scientific journals for review by Trump appointees. Also read: Transgender Americans face complicated passport process amid Trump's new policy White House calls it an ‘error’ The White House spokesman told Reuters that most of the words on the FDA list did not need to be removed from communications, adding that an error may have resulted from the FDA officials misinterpreting Trump's executive order against "gender ideology." Further clarifying, the spokesman said that the FDA does need to prohibit the use of the words gender, inclusion, identity, diversity, inter, intersex, equity, equitable, transgender, and trans to comply with the order. Also read: Trump to sign executive order banning transgender athletes from female sports Public health experts react The experts stressed that such a move can threaten their ability to address all kinds of medical needs as they affect different groups, including those with HIV and sexually transmitted diseases. Moreover, the two FDA sources said that their colleagues told them the list had originated within the Center for Devices and Radiological Health, which has more than 2,000 workers and is tasked with ensuring the safety and efficacy of medical devices. (With inputs from agencies)

FDA scientists told not to use words ‘women’, ‘disabled’, ‘elderly’; White House calls it ‘error’

Donald Trump has signed an executive order aimed at stopping federal benefits for people living in the US illegally. The move is part of a broader effort to tighten immigration policies.
The White House said that the order seeks to eliminate &ldquo;all taxpayer-funded benefits for illegal aliens.&rdquo; However, it remains unclear which specific benefits will be affected. 
"The Order directs Federal departments and agencies to identify all federally funded programs currently providing financial benefits to illegal aliens and take corrective action," the White House fact sheet on the order said.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/federal-govt-should-take-over-washington-dc-trump-slams-city-government-for-not-doing-the-job-8740194" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Federal govt should 'take over' Washington, DC: Trump slams city government for 'not doing the job'</a>
Generally, undocumented immigrants do not qualify for federal benefits, apart from emergency medical care. Additionally, under a 1982 Supreme Court ruling, all children, regardless of immigration status, are entitled to free K-12 public education.
&ldquo;Over the last 4 years, in particular, the prior administration repeatedly undercut the goals of that law, resulting in the improper expenditure of significant taxpayer resources,&rdquo; the order states referring to a 1996 welfare law that restricted most public benefits for undocumented immigrants.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-appeals-court-blocks-trumps-birthright-citizenship-order-8739720" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">US appeals court blocks Trump's birthright citizenship order</a>
Trump is targeting policies introduced under former President Joe Biden, particularly his use of parole authority to allow migrants to enter the US temporarily. 
This included over 900,000 individuals who used an online appointment system, CBP One, at the southern border,&nbsp;as well as more than 500,000 Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans who arrived by air with financial sponsors. Trump has now terminated both programs.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/elon-musk-reveals-this-pushed-him-to-endorse-republican-donald-trump-during-2024-us-elections-8735334" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Elon Musk reveals THIS pushed him to endorse Donald Trump during 2024 US elections</a>
Biden also used parole to admit nearly 300,000 people from Ukraine and Afghanistan. Those granted parole for at least a year are classified as &ldquo;qualified non-citizens,&rdquo; making them eligible for certain income-based benefits after five years, including Medicaid and the Children&rsquo;s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).
Trump&rsquo;s order directs all federal departments and agencies to review benefit programs and identify any spending that does not align with the 1996 welfare law. 
"It ensures that Federal funds to states and localities will not be used to support &ldquo;sanctuary&rdquo; policies or assist illegal immigration," the White House statement added.
(With inputs from agencies)

World: White House said that the order seeks to eliminate “all taxpayer-funded benefits for illegal aliens.” However, it remains unclear which specific benefits will be affected.

Donald Trump has signed an executive order aimed at stopping federal benefits for people living in the US illegally. The move is part of a broader effort to tighten immigration policies. The White House said that the order seeks to eliminate “all taxpayer-funded benefits for illegal aliens.” However, it remains unclear which specific benefits will be affected. "The Order directs Federal departments and agencies to identify all federally funded programs currently providing financial benefits to illegal aliens and take corrective action," the White House fact sheet on the order said. Also read: Federal govt should 'take over' Washington, DC: Trump slams city government for 'not doing the job' Generally, undocumented immigrants do not qualify for federal benefits, apart from emergency medical care. Additionally, under a 1982 Supreme Court ruling, all children, regardless of immigration status, are entitled to free K-12 public education. “Over the last 4 years, in particular, the prior administration repeatedly undercut the goals of that law, resulting in the improper expenditure of significant taxpayer resources,” the order states referring to a 1996 welfare law that restricted most public benefits for undocumented immigrants. Also read: US appeals court blocks Trump's birthright citizenship order Trump is targeting policies introduced under former President Joe Biden, particularly his use of parole authority to allow migrants to enter the US temporarily. This included over 900,000 individuals who used an online appointment system, CBP One, at the southern border, as well as more than 500,000 Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans who arrived by air with financial sponsors. Trump has now terminated both programs. Also read: Elon Musk reveals THIS pushed him to endorse Donald Trump during 2024 US elections Biden also used parole to admit nearly 300,000 people from Ukraine and Afghanistan. Those granted parole for at least a year are classified as “qualified non-citizens,” making them eligible for certain income-based benefits after five years, including Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Trump’s order directs all federal departments and agencies to review benefit programs and identify any spending that does not align with the 1996 welfare law. "It ensures that Federal funds to states and localities will not be used to support “sanctuary” policies or assist illegal immigration," the White House statement added. (With inputs from agencies)

‘No taxpayer funds for illegal aliens’: Trump cuts off federal benefits for undocumented immigrants

Kyrylo Budanov, head of Ukraine&rsquo;s military intelligence agency, has said a ceasefire in the war with Russia could occur before the end of the year.
"I think it is going to happen. There are most of the components for it to happen," Budanov said in a YouTube interview. However, he did not provide further details.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-starmer-compares-zelensky-to-winston-churchill-defends-ukraine-prez-against-trumps-dictator-allegations-8738197" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">UK PM Starmer defends Zelensky against Trump's 'dictator' jibe, compares Ukraine prez to Winston Churchill</a>
"How long it will be, how effective it will be &ndash; is another question," Budanov added.
Donald Trump surprised Kyiv and Europe after he called Russian President Vladimir Putin last week to start peace talks on Ukraine &ldquo;immediately.&rdquo;
Shortly after his call with Putin, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky held a telephone call with Donald Trump.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-trump-blasts-ukrainian-president-zelensky-russia-ukraine-war-putin-8737582" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">&lsquo;Dictator Without Elections&rsquo;: Trump blasts Zelensky after &lsquo;disinformation&rsquo; dig, warns Ukraine could collapse</a>
"I just spoke to President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine. The conversation went very well. He, like President Putin, wants to make PEACE," Trump said.
Later, Zelensky met US Vice President JD Vance on the sidelines of the Munich Security Summit and demanded "real security guarantees" for Ukraine.
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia on Tuesday (Feb 18) hosted breakthrough US-Russia talks to discuss ways to end the Ukraine war and strengthen American-Russian relations.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/federal-govt-should-take-over-washington-dc-trump-slams-city-government-for-not-doing-the-job-8740194" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Federal govt should 'take over' Washington, DC: Trump slams city government for 'not doing the job'</a>
However, Ukraine was not part of the talks, with President Volodymyr <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-war-ukraines-military-spy-suggests-ceasefire-with-russia-could-happen-this-year-8740476">Zelensky</a> saying that no peace agreement can be reached without Kyiv's presence.
The US-Russia talks without the involvement of Europe and Ukraine have strained ties between Washington and Kyiv with President Trump and Zelensky exchanging criticism on Wednesday.
Zelensky accused Trump of living in a "disinformation bubble" created by Russia. He also refuted Trump&rsquo;s claim that most of Ukraine&rsquo;s support comes from the US, saying, "The truth is somewhere else."
Trump, on the other hand, called Zelensky a "dictator without elections."
(With inputs from agencies)

World: "I think it is going to happen. There are most of the components for it to happen," Budanov said in a YouTube interview. However, he did not provide further details.

Kyrylo Budanov, head of Ukraine’s military intelligence agency, has said a ceasefire in the war with Russia could occur before the end of the year. "I think it is going to happen. There are most of the components for it to happen," Budanov said in a YouTube interview. However, he did not provide further details. Also read: UK PM Starmer defends Zelensky against Trump's 'dictator' jibe, compares Ukraine prez to Winston Churchill "How long it will be, how effective it will be – is another question," Budanov added. Donald Trump surprised Kyiv and Europe after he called Russian President Vladimir Putin last week to start peace talks on Ukraine “immediately.” Shortly after his call with Putin, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky held a telephone call with Donald Trump. Also read: ‘Dictator Without Elections’: Trump blasts Zelensky after ‘disinformation’ dig, warns Ukraine could collapse "I just spoke to President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine. The conversation went very well. He, like President Putin, wants to make PEACE," Trump said. Later, Zelensky met US Vice President JD Vance on the sidelines of the Munich Security Summit and demanded "real security guarantees" for Ukraine. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia on Tuesday (Feb 18) hosted breakthrough US-Russia talks to discuss ways to end the Ukraine war and strengthen American-Russian relations. Also read: Federal govt should 'take over' Washington, DC: Trump slams city government for 'not doing the job' However, Ukraine was not part of the talks, with President Volodymyr Zelensky saying that no peace agreement can be reached without Kyiv's presence. The US-Russia talks without the involvement of Europe and Ukraine have strained ties between Washington and Kyiv with President Trump and Zelensky exchanging criticism on Wednesday. Zelensky accused Trump of living in a "disinformation bubble" created by Russia. He also refuted Trump’s claim that most of Ukraine’s support comes from the US, saying, "The truth is somewhere else." Trump, on the other hand, called Zelensky a "dictator without elections." (With inputs from agencies)

'How long, how effective?' Ukraine’s military spy suggests ceasefire with Russia could happen this year

The foreign minister of Mauritius, Dhananjay Ramful, has said that India has been &ldquo;very supportive&rdquo; of his country in finalizing the Chagos deal. In October 2024, Mauritius and UK agreed to a deal on the Chagos Island under which Mauritius would gain sovereignty over the entire archipelago, including Diego Garcia, while the UK would retain control of the military base for an initial 99-year lease. Speaking to WION&rsquo;s Sidhant Sibal in Muscat on the sidelines of the Indian Ocean Conference, FM Ramful said, &ldquo;I have to stress that India has been very supportive to Mauritius in trying to finalise this deal, and they are still willing and committed to us restoring our sovereignty on the Chagos archipelago.&rdquo;
With the new Trump administration in Washington, things could see changes as the US has a base on Diego Garcia. The foreign minister pointed out, &ldquo;We also consider that it is important that the US, the new administration especially, has a new look at the deal, since the US, as I said, has an interest in the base on Diego Garcia, so we are waiting now for the US to look at the deal, and for the UK to eventually come to us and finalise the deal.&rdquo; The new Mauritian government, elected in November 2024 under Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam, has pushed for better financial terms.
The foreign minister, in the interview, also appreciated India&rsquo;s development projects in his country and his recent visit to the Ayodhya Temple in Uttar Pradesh.
Sidhant Sibal: How do you see India-Mauritius relationship? This is a relationship which has seen a close conversation by the two leaders Dhananjay Ramful: As you must be aware, you know, the India-Mauritius relationship goes back several years ago, and over the years, we have strengthened the special relationship that we share. Now we have a new government in Mauritius, under the leadership of Navin Ramgoolam, and I am sure that this relationship will be strengthened further. As you know, we have, in the past, had a lot of exchanges with India, with regards to cultural exchanges, and India has also been helping us a lot with regards to our infrastructural projects. So I expect that this special relationship will continue to grow.
Sidhant Sibal: How do you see the Indian development projects in the country? Dhananjay Ramful: There are various projects where India has been helping us through grants or loans. You have the metro project that has been implemented over several years. There is also, we are about to inaugurate the Civil Service College, which, again, was financed by the Indian government. So in various sectors be it health, education, culture. India has been always at the forefront to try and help Mauritius, and we are very grateful for that. There are also various community based projects under what they call the community, high impact community projects, where India has been financing Mauritius on several micro projects around the island. Phase one, which is, has been implemented already, and we are expecting to have a second phase, and we will be discussing with the Indian side on the second phase of the projects.
Sidhant Sibal: What about the Indian projects in Agalega island? Dhananjay Ramful: The Indian government has, as you know, financed the construction of a jetty and an air strip as well. This is very helpful to the inhabitants of Agalega. You know, we have a very small community in Agalega. And very recently, there has been a cyclone, where the Indian government was the first responder for help, and they sent a plane with provisions and all. And you see, the Indian government has helped us to construct that air strip, which allowed airplanes to go there.
Sidhant Sibal: So there&rsquo;s a lot of cultural connection, also between India and Mauritius. Any plans to visit the Kumbh Mela in India, because several Mauritian people do visit the mela, and they do visit India as well. So if you can talk about this relationship, which is a special relationship between the two countries. Dhananjay Ramful: On my side, I&rsquo;ve been on a private visit since I got elected in December, so I&rsquo;ve got a pilgrimage already to Varanasi, and I also visited the Ayodhya temple. I&rsquo;m told that a few ministers, I think the Minister of Education will be attending the Kumbh Mela.
Sidhant Sibal: Any plans for the visit of the leadership, the new leadership, to India, and will they come to the Ayodhya temple if they travel to India?&nbsp; Dhananjay Ramful: I have personally visited the Ayodhya temple. I am told various ministers under the current government, who have been there on holiday and they visited Ayodhya, it is a great initiative by the PM Modi Ji and also Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh.
Sidhant Sibal: Recently, we saw a pact being concluded by the previous government of Mauritius with the UK on Chagos, and it was seen as a landmark in terms of perhaps resolving many issues. What is your government&rsquo;s view on that? And what do you think? Do you fear that with the Trump administration in the US, there could be pressure from Washington to make sure that there is a revisit for the entire pact. Dhananjay Ramful: You see, the issue of Chagos has been a very long battle by Mauritius and also the Chagossians community to restore the sovereignty of Mauritius over the Chagos Archipelago, including the main island, which is Diego Garcia. You will remember that we&rsquo;ve even gone to the UN where we were supported by a large majority of member states. And we even went to the International Court of Justice, where we got a ruling in our favour. And following that, there have been numerous rounds of negotiations with the UK Government to try and finalise a deal. We do realise the importance of the base, but also the UK and the US, must realise that, you know, we are in 2025 and we cannot continue to encroach on the territory of a friendly country. It&rsquo;s high time to resolve the matter. It&rsquo;s good that the UK Government has come to the table and tried to agree on a deal. The deal has been agreed between the two of us, Mauritius and the UK. Now we also consider that it is important that the US, the new administration especially, has a new look at the deal, since the US, as I said, has an interest in the base on Diego Garcia.
Sidhant Sibal: And how do you see India&rsquo;s position on Chagos? India has always backed Mauritius. Dhananjay Ramful: I have to stress that India has been very supportive to Mauritius in trying to finalise this deal, and they are still willing and committed to us, restoring our sovereignty on the Chagos archipelago.

World: In October 2024, Mauritius and UK agreed to a deal on Chagos Island under which Mauritius would gain sovereignty over the archipelago, including Diego Garcia, while the UK would retain control of the military base for an initial 99-year lease.

The foreign minister of Mauritius, Dhananjay Ramful, has said that India has been “very supportive” of his country in finalizing the Chagos deal. In October 2024, Mauritius and UK agreed to a deal on the Chagos Island under which Mauritius would gain sovereignty over the entire archipelago, including Diego Garcia, while the UK would retain control of the military base for an initial 99-year lease. Speaking to WION’s Sidhant Sibal in Muscat on the sidelines of the Indian Ocean Conference, FM Ramful said, “I have to stress that India has been very supportive to Mauritius in trying to finalise this deal, and they are still willing and committed to us restoring our sovereignty on the Chagos archipelago.” With the new Trump administration in Washington, things could see changes as the US has a base on Diego Garcia. The foreign minister pointed out, “We also consider that it is important that the US, the new administration especially, has a new look at the deal, since the US, as I said, has an interest in the base on Diego Garcia, so we are waiting now for the US to look at the deal, and for the UK to eventually come to us and finalise the deal.” The new Mauritian government, elected in November 2024 under Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam, has pushed for better financial terms. The foreign minister, in the interview, also appreciated India’s development projects in his country and his recent visit to the Ayodhya Temple in Uttar Pradesh. Sidhant Sibal: How do you see India-Mauritius relationship? This is a relationship which has seen a close conversation by the two leaders Dhananjay Ramful: As you must be aware, you know, the India-Mauritius relationship goes back several years ago, and over the years, we have strengthened the special relationship that we share. Now we have a new government in Mauritius, under the leadership of Navin Ramgoolam, and I am sure that this relationship will be strengthened further. As you know, we have, in the past, had a lot of exchanges with India, with regards to cultural exchanges, and India has also been helping us a lot with regards to our infrastructural projects. So I expect that this special relationship will continue to grow. Sidhant Sibal: How do you see the Indian development projects in the country? Dhananjay Ramful: There are various projects where India has been helping us through grants or loans. You have the metro project that has been implemented over several years. There is also, we are about to inaugurate the Civil Service College, which, again, was financed by the Indian government. So in various sectors be it health, education, culture. India has been always at the forefront to try and help Mauritius, and we are very grateful for that. There are also various community based projects under what they call the community, high impact community projects, where India has been financing Mauritius on several micro projects around the island. Phase one, which is, has been implemented already, and we are expecting to have a second phase, and we will be discussing with the Indian side on the second phase of the projects. Sidhant Sibal: What about the Indian projects in Agalega island? Dhananjay Ramful: The Indian government has, as you know, financed the construction of a jetty and an air strip as well. This is very helpful to the inhabitants of Agalega. You know, we have a very small community in Agalega. And very recently, there has been a cyclone, where the Indian government was the first responder for help, and they sent a plane with provisions and all. And you see, the Indian government has helped us to construct that air strip, which allowed airplanes to go there. Sidhant Sibal: So there’s a lot of cultural connection, also between India and Mauritius. Any plans to visit the Kumbh Mela in India, because several Mauritian people do visit the mela, and they do visit India as well. So if you can talk about this relationship, which is a special relationship between the two countries. Dhananjay Ramful: On my side, I’ve been on a private visit since I got elected in December, so I’ve got a pilgrimage already to Varanasi, and I also visited the Ayodhya temple. I’m told that a few ministers, I think the Minister of Education will be attending the Kumbh Mela. Sidhant Sibal: Any plans for the visit of the leadership, the new leadership, to India, and will they come to the Ayodhya temple if they travel to India? Dhananjay Ramful: I have personally visited the Ayodhya temple. I am told various ministers under the current government, who have been there on holiday and they visited Ayodhya, it is a great initiative by the PM Modi Ji and also Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh. Sidhant Sibal: Recently, we saw a pact being concluded by the previous government of Mauritius with the UK on Chagos, and it was seen as a landmark in terms of perhaps resolving many issues. What is your government’s view on that? And what do you think? Do you fear that with the Trump administration in the US, there could be pressure from Washington to make sure that there is a revisit for the entire pact. Dhananjay Ramful: You see, the issue of Chagos has been a very long battle by Mauritius and also the Chagossians community to restore the sovereignty of Mauritius over the Chagos Archipelago, including the main island, which is Diego Garcia. You will remember that we’ve even gone to the UN where we were supported by a large majority of member states. And we even went to the International Court of Justice, where we got a ruling in our favour. And following that, there have been numerous rounds of negotiations with the UK Government to try and finalise a deal. We do realise the importance of the base, but also the UK and the US, must realise that, you know, we are in 2025 and we cannot continue to encroach on the territory of a friendly country. It’s high time to resolve the matter. It’s good that the UK Government has come to the table and tried to agree on a deal. The deal has been agreed between the two of us, Mauritius and the UK. Now we also consider that it is important that the US, the new administration especially, has a new look at the deal, since the US, as I said, has an interest in the base on Diego Garcia. Sidhant Sibal: And how do you see India’s position on Chagos? India has always backed Mauritius. Dhananjay Ramful: I have to stress that India has been very supportive to Mauritius in trying to finalise this deal, and they are still willing and committed to us, restoring our sovereignty on the Chagos archipelago.

India has been very supportive of finalising Chagos deal, says Mauritius FM Dhananjay Ramful

K-9 Hurricane, a 15-year-old Belgian Malinois who helped ensure the safety of the White House, died this week.&nbsp;
Christina Roof, of K9s of Valor, confirmed Hurricane's death in a social media post.&nbsp;
Roof posted, "The hole his absence has caused in the hearts of his family and friends is immeasurable."
The most decorated dog in US history, Hurricane, came under the limelight when he was awarded the Secretary's Award for Valor from the Department of Homeland Security alongside his longtime handler, Marshall Mirarchi.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/story-of-peggy-and-molly-an-instagram-famous-duo-of-dog-and-a-bird-set-australia-abuzz-heres-why-705083">Peggy and Molly, an Instagram-famous dog-magpie duo, is setting Australia abuzz. Here's why</a>
In 2022, Hurricane received the Distinguished Service Medal, according to the Secret Service.&nbsp;
He received some other honours also, including the United States Secret Service Award for Merit, the PDSA (People's Dispensary for Sick Animals) Order of Merit, and the American Medal Center Top Dog.&nbsp;
He also got a spot in the Guinness Book of World Records for being the first dog to receive the Animals in War and Peace Distinguished Service Medal.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/these-genius-dogs-could-remember-names-of-100-of-their-toys-418574">These 'genius dogs' could remember names of 100 of their toys</a>
In 2016, he retired and went on to serve as a mascot for Mirarchi's charity, Hurricane's Heroes.&nbsp;
Mirarchi wrote on Instagram that Hurricane "absolutely loved every day working at the White House."
<h2>How did Hurricane take care of White House?</h2>
In September 2014, the Secret Service found itself embroiled in a scandal when a fence jumper managed to trespass on White House grounds and nearly made it to the building itself.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-genius-dogs-have-a-strong-grip-over-human-language-study-418535">'Genius dogs' have a strong grip over human language: Study</a>
After a month, a second person breached the White House's perimeter, however, this time they were quickly apprehended.&nbsp;
This was all due to the Hurricane, the most decorated dog in US history and a special one to the White House.&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)

World, Trending: He also got a spot in the Guinness Book of World Records for being the first dog to receive the Animals in War and Peace Distinguished Service Medal.

K-9 Hurricane, a 15-year-old Belgian Malinois who helped ensure the safety of the White House, died this week. Christina Roof, of K9s of Valor, confirmed Hurricane's death in a social media post. Roof posted, "The hole his absence has caused in the hearts of his family and friends is immeasurable." The most decorated dog in US history, Hurricane, came under the limelight when he was awarded the Secretary's Award for Valor from the Department of Homeland Security alongside his longtime handler, Marshall Mirarchi. Also read: Peggy and Molly, an Instagram-famous dog-magpie duo, is setting Australia abuzz. Here's why In 2022, Hurricane received the Distinguished Service Medal, according to the Secret Service. He received some other honours also, including the United States Secret Service Award for Merit, the PDSA (People's Dispensary for Sick Animals) Order of Merit, and the American Medal Center Top Dog. He also got a spot in the Guinness Book of World Records for being the first dog to receive the Animals in War and Peace Distinguished Service Medal. Also read: These 'genius dogs' could remember names of 100 of their toys In 2016, he retired and went on to serve as a mascot for Mirarchi's charity, Hurricane's Heroes. Mirarchi wrote on Instagram that Hurricane "absolutely loved every day working at the White House." How did Hurricane take care of White House? In September 2014, the Secret Service found itself embroiled in a scandal when a fence jumper managed to trespass on White House grounds and nearly made it to the building itself. Also read: 'Genius dogs' have a strong grip over human language: Study After a month, a second person breached the White House's perimeter, however, this time they were quickly apprehended. This was all due to the Hurricane, the most decorated dog in US history and a special one to the White House. (With inputs from agencies)

‘Most decorated dog in US history’: White House hero Hurricane dies at 15

For the first time since the war began, Hamas handed over the bodies of Israeli hostages as part of the Gaza ceasefire deal. But what started as a moment of anxious hope quickly turned into devastation.
Hamas on Thursday (Feb 20) revealed black coffins in southern Gaza, displaying the names and photos of Shiri Bibas and her two young sons, Ariel and Kfir, pinned to the casket.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/day-of-grief-for-israel-says-netanyahu-as-hamas-confirms-youngest-hostage-kfir-bibass-body-among-dead-to-be-released-today-8738314">&lsquo;Day of grief&rsquo;, says Netanyahu as Hamas prepares to return baby Kfir Bibas&rsquo;s body</a>
According to Hamas, the bodies handed over include those of Oded Lifshitz, 83, along with 32-year-old Shiri Bibas and her two children, who were just nine months and four years old when they were taken hostage.
Shiri and her boys were kidnapped from their home in Nir Oz on October 7, 2023. Her husband, Yarden, was taken separately after he left their safe room in an effort to protect his family. He was eventually freed on February 1.
Just hours after Hamas announced it would be returning the bodies, Shiri&rsquo;s sister-in-law, Ofri Bibas Levy, refused to give up hope.
&ldquo;I ask you not to eulogise my family yet. We have been hoping for 16 months and we will not give up hope now,&rdquo; she wrote on Facebook.
For the family of Oded Lifshitz, the news was just as crushing. &ldquo;For 502 days, we hoped and prayed for a different ending,&rdquo; they said in a statement.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hamas-will-release-all-remaining-israeli-hostages-in-single-swap-during-second-phase-of-gaza-agreement-8737579" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Hamas to free 'all Israeli hostages' in single swap during phase two of Gaza truce</a>
&ldquo;Until we receive absolute certainty, our journey will not end. And even after that, we will continue to fight until the last hostage is returned,&rdquo; they added.
Oded&rsquo;s son, Yizhar Lifshitz, spoke to the Ynet news outlet on Wednesday, saying that while all signs pointed to his father&rsquo;s body being returned, he could not accept it until there was complete confirmation.
&ldquo;As his son, I would have preferred to know that he was murdered on October 7 outside his home in Nir Oz, rather than having to go through all this suffering and torture and be alone and die like a dog there in Gaza,&rdquo; he said.
He described his father&rsquo;s fate as &ldquo;tragic and humiliating.&rdquo; His home was burned down, and his wife, Yocheved, was kidnapped and beaten. &ldquo;His life ended in an undeserved, degrading way&hellip; without family, without children, without closure,&rdquo; Yizhar added.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hamas-hands-over-bodies-of-four-israeli-hostages-including-mother-and-young-sons-8739430" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">'Our hearts lie in tatters': Israel mourns after receiving bodies of dead Gaza hostages</a>
<h2>Controversy over names of the deceased being made public</h2>
Shortly after the names of the deceased were made public, tensions flared. The Prime Minister&rsquo;s Office (PMO) said that the families had approved the release of the names&mdash;but the Bibas family denied this.
&ldquo;The list that has already turned Shiri, Ariel, and Kfir into fallen [hostages], published by the Prime Minister&rsquo;s Office supposedly with the families&rsquo; approval, did not even pass our approval,&rdquo; Ofri Bibas wrote on Facebook.
&ldquo;We have been waiting for 16 months for certainty that they could not give us, and now it&rsquo;s been decided before they are even here? Before they have been identified? Before we have been informed?&rdquo;
A PMO official later blamed the military for the mistake, calling it a &ldquo;grave error&rdquo; by IDF liaison officers.
&ldquo;This was an unfortunate human error,&rdquo; the official admitted, explaining that the officers had incorrectly given approval for the names to be released before the family had been informed.
The IDF took responsibility, saying, &ldquo;We regret the mistake that was made in good faith toward the families and the emotional distress.&rdquo;
(With inputs from agencies)

World, Middle East: According to Hamas, the bodies handed over include those of Oded Lifshitz, 83, along with 32-year-old Shiri Bibas and her two children, who were just nine months and four years old when they were taken hostage.

For the first time since the war began, Hamas handed over the bodies of Israeli hostages as part of the Gaza ceasefire deal. But what started as a moment of anxious hope quickly turned into devastation. Hamas on Thursday (Feb 20) revealed black coffins in southern Gaza, displaying the names and photos of Shiri Bibas and her two young sons, Ariel and Kfir, pinned to the casket. Also read: ‘Day of grief’, says Netanyahu as Hamas prepares to return baby Kfir Bibas’s body According to Hamas, the bodies handed over include those of Oded Lifshitz, 83, along with 32-year-old Shiri Bibas and her two children, who were just nine months and four years old when they were taken hostage. Shiri and her boys were kidnapped from their home in Nir Oz on October 7, 2023. Her husband, Yarden, was taken separately after he left their safe room in an effort to protect his family. He was eventually freed on February 1. Just hours after Hamas announced it would be returning the bodies, Shiri’s sister-in-law, Ofri Bibas Levy, refused to give up hope. “I ask you not to eulogise my family yet. We have been hoping for 16 months and we will not give up hope now,” she wrote on Facebook. For the family of Oded Lifshitz, the news was just as crushing. “For 502 days, we hoped and prayed for a different ending,” they said in a statement. Also read: Hamas to free 'all Israeli hostages' in single swap during phase two of Gaza truce “Until we receive absolute certainty, our journey will not end. And even after that, we will continue to fight until the last hostage is returned,” they added. Oded’s son, Yizhar Lifshitz, spoke to the Ynet news outlet on Wednesday, saying that while all signs pointed to his father’s body being returned, he could not accept it until there was complete confirmation. “As his son, I would have preferred to know that he was murdered on October 7 outside his home in Nir Oz, rather than having to go through all this suffering and torture and be alone and die like a dog there in Gaza,” he said. He described his father’s fate as “tragic and humiliating.” His home was burned down, and his wife, Yocheved, was kidnapped and beaten. “His life ended in an undeserved, degrading way… without family, without children, without closure,” Yizhar added. Also read: 'Our hearts lie in tatters': Israel mourns after receiving bodies of dead Gaza hostages Controversy over names of the deceased being made public Shortly after the names of the deceased were made public, tensions flared. The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said that the families had approved the release of the names—but the Bibas family denied this. “The list that has already turned Shiri, Ariel, and Kfir into fallen [hostages], published by the Prime Minister’s Office supposedly with the families’ approval, did not even pass our approval,” Ofri Bibas wrote on Facebook. “We have been waiting for 16 months for certainty that they could not give us, and now it’s been decided before they are even here? Before they have been identified? Before we have been informed?” A PMO official later blamed the military for the mistake, calling it a “grave error” by IDF liaison officers. “This was an unfortunate human error,” the official admitted, explaining that the officers had incorrectly given approval for the names to be released before the family had been informed. The IDF took responsibility, saying, “We regret the mistake that was made in good faith toward the families and the emotional distress.” (With inputs from agencies)

‘We hoped, prayed for a different ending’: Families crushed as Hamas releases Israeli hostages’ bodies

US President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/donald-trump" rel="dofollow">Donald Trump</a> said that he thinks the federal government should "take over" and run Washington, DC, to make it safe.&nbsp;
Trump extended his support behind congressional efforts for a federal takeover of the US capital, saying that he approves putting the District of Columbia back under direct federal control.&nbsp;
The US president complained about crime and homelessness in the district. Trump was speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-appeals-court-blocks-trumps-birthright-citizenship-order-8739720">US appeals court blocks Trump's birthright citizenship order</a>
"I think we should take over Washington, D.C. &mdash; make it safe.&rdquo; He added, &ldquo;I think that we should govern the District of Columbia."&nbsp;
<h2>'City govt not doing the job'</h2>
He further said that the city's government was not "doing the job", adding that the city has a "great police department" that is not being "utilised properly".
Stressing that there was "too much crime" in the city, Trump said, "People are getting killed, people are being hurt.&rdquo;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/its-possible-trump-eyes-new-trade-deal-with-china-8738910">&lsquo;It&rsquo;s possible&rsquo;: Trump eyes new trade deal with China</a>
He also complained about homeless encampments in DC, saying there was &ldquo;too much graffiti, too many tents on the lawns, homeless people all over the place.&rdquo;
Trump argued that these issues must be dealt with swiftly. He added that foreign leaders like French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and Chinese leader Xi Jinping are "coming over" to see, and "you can&rsquo;t have tents all over your beautiful, your once-magnificent plazas, lawns, and all.&rdquo;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-orders-firing-of-all-biden-era-us-attorneys-in-major-justice-department-shakeup-8734328">Trump orders firing of all Biden-era US attorneys in major Justice Department shakeup: 'We must clean house IMMEDIATELY'</a>
Earlier this month, GOP lawmakers introduced a bill that would repeal "the District of Columbia Home Rule Act" which would eliminate the city's local government and allow the federal government to take over its governance.&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)

World: TUS President Donald Trump extended his support to congressional efforts for a federal takeover of the US capital, saying that he approves putting the District of Columbia back under direct federal control.

US President Donald Trump said that he thinks the federal government should "take over" and run Washington, DC, to make it safe. Trump extended his support behind congressional efforts for a federal takeover of the US capital, saying that he approves putting the District of Columbia back under direct federal control. The US president complained about crime and homelessness in the district. Trump was speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One. Also read: US appeals court blocks Trump's birthright citizenship order "I think we should take over Washington, D.C. — make it safe.” He added, “I think that we should govern the District of Columbia." 'City govt not doing the job' He further said that the city's government was not "doing the job", adding that the city has a "great police department" that is not being "utilised properly". Stressing that there was "too much crime" in the city, Trump said, "People are getting killed, people are being hurt.” Also read: ‘It’s possible’: Trump eyes new trade deal with China He also complained about homeless encampments in DC, saying there was “too much graffiti, too many tents on the lawns, homeless people all over the place.” Trump argued that these issues must be dealt with swiftly. He added that foreign leaders like French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and Chinese leader Xi Jinping are "coming over" to see, and "you can’t have tents all over your beautiful, your once-magnificent plazas, lawns, and all.” Also read: Trump orders firing of all Biden-era US attorneys in major Justice Department shakeup: 'We must clean house IMMEDIATELY' Earlier this month, GOP lawmakers introduced a bill that would repeal "the District of Columbia Home Rule Act" which would eliminate the city's local government and allow the federal government to take over its governance. (With inputs from agencies)

Federal govt should 'take over' Washington, DC: Trump slams city government for 'not doing the job'

An appeals court upheld an order on Wednesday blocking President Donald Trump from ending birthright citizenship for children whose parents are in the United States illegally.
The emergency request was filed by the Justice Department in an attempt to clear the path for Trump's executive order, which has been blocked by judges in lower district courts since it was issued in January.
Trump's order attempts to redefine the 14th Amendment to the US Constitution, which decrees that anyone born on US soil is a citizen.
Among the most controversial of Trump's executive orders, it claims the right does not apply to the children of anyone other than permanent residents and citizens.
The request was denied by a panel of three judges from the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, who were nominated by Trump and former presidents Jimmy Carter and George W. Bush.
"Here, the Government has not shown that it is entitled to immediate relief," judge Danielle Forrest, who was appointed by Trump in 2019, said in the ruling.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/it-was-for-freed-slaves-not-immigrants-trump-defends-birthright-citizenship-order-amid-legal-push-back-8727169">&lsquo;It was for freed slaves, not immigrants&rsquo;: Trump defends birthright citizenship order amid legal pushback</a>
She said the "sole basis" for seeking the emergency request was that the district court had "stymied the implementation of an Executive Branch policy... nationwide for almost three weeks."
She said "deciding important substantive issues on one week's notice turns our usual decision-making process on its head" and that the circumstances did not "dictate that we must."
Trump's executive order was due to come into effect by February 19 but was first blocked temporarily by a federal judge in January, and the timeframe has since been extended.
His orders have faced growing pushback from the courts, with about a dozen injunctions issued so far from among some 40 lawsuits.
The Trump administration made its first appeal to the Supreme Court in a separate case on Sunday to allow him to fire the head of a whistleblower protection agency.
The Supreme Court, which includes three Trump-nominated justices, is primed to play a significant role in what some experts suggest is a looming constitutional crisis as the president tests the limits of his executive power and the judiciary pushes back.
Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

World | The emergency request was filed by the Justice Department in an attempt to clear the path for Trump's executive order, which has been blocked by judges in lower district courts since it was issued in January.

An appeals court upheld an order on Wednesday blocking President Donald Trump from ending birthright citizenship for children whose parents are in the United States illegally. The emergency request was filed by the Justice Department in an attempt to clear the path for Trump's executive order, which has been blocked by judges in lower district courts since it was issued in January. Trump's order attempts to redefine the 14th Amendment to the US Constitution, which decrees that anyone born on US soil is a citizen. Among the most controversial of Trump's executive orders, it claims the right does not apply to the children of anyone other than permanent residents and citizens. The request was denied by a panel of three judges from the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, who were nominated by Trump and former presidents Jimmy Carter and George W. Bush. "Here, the Government has not shown that it is entitled to immediate relief," judge Danielle Forrest, who was appointed by Trump in 2019, said in the ruling. Also read | ‘It was for freed slaves, not immigrants’: Trump defends birthright citizenship order amid legal pushback She said the "sole basis" for seeking the emergency request was that the district court had "stymied the implementation of an Executive Branch policy... nationwide for almost three weeks." She said "deciding important substantive issues on one week's notice turns our usual decision-making process on its head" and that the circumstances did not "dictate that we must." Trump's executive order was due to come into effect by February 19 but was first blocked temporarily by a federal judge in January, and the timeframe has since been extended. His orders have faced growing pushback from the courts, with about a dozen injunctions issued so far from among some 40 lawsuits. The Trump administration made its first appeal to the Supreme Court in a separate case on Sunday to allow him to fire the head of a whistleblower protection agency. The Supreme Court, which includes three Trump-nominated justices, is primed to play a significant role in what some experts suggest is a looming constitutional crisis as the president tests the limits of his executive power and the judiciary pushes back. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

US appeals court blocks Trump's birthright citizenship order

The Israeli military on Thursday (Feb 20) said that it had received the bodies of four hostages handed over by Hamas, through the Red Cross, in Gaza.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog mourned the deaths of four hostages, believed to include members of the Bibas family, who have become symbols of the ordeal.
"Our hearts -- the hearts of the entire nation -- lie in tatters," Herzog said in a statement released after Hamas handed over the bodies.
<h2 class="p1">Hamas hands over bodies of four Israeli hostages</h2>
Hamas has handed over four bodies claimed to be those of Israeli hostages, including a mother and her two young sons, who had become a powerful symbol in Israel of the struggles faced by hostages held in Gaza.&nbsp;
To verify their identities, the bodies will undergo forensic testing in Israel.&nbsp; 
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/its-possible-trump-eyes-new-trade-deal-with-china-8738910">&lsquo;It&rsquo;s possible&rsquo;: Trump eyes new trade deal with China</a>
<h2 class="p2">Four bodies handed over to Hamas </h2>
The bodies handed over by Hamas are believed to be of Shiri Bibas, 33, and her two young sons, Ariel, 4, and Kfir, just nine months old, when they were taken captive. The fourth body is of 84-year-old Oded Lifshitz. 
All four were taken hostage during the Hamas-led attack on Israel's Kibbutz Nir Oz on October 7, 2023. 
Hamas claims they were killed in Israeli strikes during the Gaza war, although Israel did not confirm their deaths, expressing concerns that Hamas' claims might be part of their psychological warfare. 
Yarden Bibas, the husband of Shiri Bibas, was also taken hostage by Hamas militants during the October 7, 2023, attack on their home in Nir Oz, Israel.&nbsp; 
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-criticises-teslas-plans-to-set-up-factory-in-india-as-unfair-to-us-amid-trade-disparities-8738487">Trump criticises Tesla's plans to set up factory in India as 'unfair' to US amid trade disparities</a>
Yarden was released alive earlier this month, as part of a prisoner exchange agreement. 
The Bibas family, especially their two young redheaded children, Ariel and Kfir, had become a powerful symbol of the hostage crisis in Israel, with their faces appearing on posters and commemorations held on their birthdays. 
The family's plight had captured the hearts of many Israelis, who rallied around them, demanding their safe release. 
Lifshitz was a retired journalist and peace activist who helped found the kibbutz Nir Oz. 
He volunteered with Road to Recovery, an Israeli organization of volunteers who drive Palestinians to hospital appointments in Israel and the Israeli-occupied West Bank. His wife, Yocheved, 85, was also taken hostage and freed after about two weeks. 
<h2 class="p2">Hamas handover ceremony</h2>
The remains were handed over to the Red Cross in a formal ceremony near a Khan Younis cemetery, with masked Hamas gunmen overseeing the event. Four coffins, draped in black, were displayed on a stage with posters bearing messages in Hebrew and English.
One poster depicted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as a fanged vampire. Another threatened that if Israel resumed the Gaza war, other hostages would be returned in coffins. 
(With inputs from agencies)
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
&nbsp;

Israeli military confirms receipt of four hostages' bodies from Hamas via the Red Cross in Gaza, underscoring ongoing tensions and humanitarian efforts in the region.

The Israeli military on Thursday (Feb 20) said that it had received the bodies of four hostages handed over by Hamas, through the Red Cross, in Gaza. Israeli President Isaac Herzog mourned the deaths of four hostages, believed to include members of the Bibas family, who have become symbols of the ordeal. "Our hearts -- the hearts of the entire nation -- lie in tatters," Herzog said in a statement released after Hamas handed over the bodies. Hamas hands over bodies of four Israeli hostages Hamas has handed over four bodies claimed to be those of Israeli hostages, including a mother and her two young sons, who had become a powerful symbol in Israel of the struggles faced by hostages held in Gaza. To verify their identities, the bodies will undergo forensic testing in Israel. Also read | ‘It’s possible’: Trump eyes new trade deal with China Four bodies handed over to Hamas The bodies handed over by Hamas are believed to be of Shiri Bibas, 33, and her two young sons, Ariel, 4, and Kfir, just nine months old, when they were taken captive. The fourth body is of 84-year-old Oded Lifshitz. All four were taken hostage during the Hamas-led attack on Israel's Kibbutz Nir Oz on October 7, 2023. Hamas claims they were killed in Israeli strikes during the Gaza war, although Israel did not confirm their deaths, expressing concerns that Hamas' claims might be part of their psychological warfare. Yarden Bibas, the husband of Shiri Bibas, was also taken hostage by Hamas militants during the October 7, 2023, attack on their home in Nir Oz, Israel. Also read | Trump criticises Tesla's plans to set up factory in India as 'unfair' to US amid trade disparities Yarden was released alive earlier this month, as part of a prisoner exchange agreement. The Bibas family, especially their two young redheaded children, Ariel and Kfir, had become a powerful symbol of the hostage crisis in Israel, with their faces appearing on posters and commemorations held on their birthdays. The family's plight had captured the hearts of many Israelis, who rallied around them, demanding their safe release. Lifshitz was a retired journalist and peace activist who helped found the kibbutz Nir Oz. He volunteered with Road to Recovery, an Israeli organization of volunteers who drive Palestinians to hospital appointments in Israel and the Israeli-occupied West Bank. His wife, Yocheved, 85, was also taken hostage and freed after about two weeks. Hamas handover ceremony The remains were handed over to the Red Cross in a formal ceremony near a Khan Younis cemetery, with masked Hamas gunmen overseeing the event. Four coffins, draped in black, were displayed on a stage with posters bearing messages in Hebrew and English. One poster depicted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as a fanged vampire. Another threatened that if Israel resumed the Gaza war, other hostages would be returned in coffins. (With inputs from agencies)

'Our hearts lie in tatters': Israel mourns after receiving bodies of dead Gaza hostages

President Trump is exploring a new trade deal with China, aiming to boost China's purchases of American products and attract more Chinese investments to the US.
According to the New York Times (NYSE:NYT), multiple sources close to the president, Trump is pushing for a wide-ranging deal with Chinese President Xi Jinping, going beyond just trade, despite potential hurdles. He's eager to secure a comprehensive agreement that addresses multiple aspects of the US-China relationship.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-criticises-teslas-plans-to-set-up-factory-in-india-as-unfair-to-us-amid-trade-disparities-8738487">Trump criticises Tesla's plans to set up factory in India as 'unfair' to US amid trade disparities</a>
&ldquo;It&rsquo;s possible, it&rsquo;s possible,&rdquo; Trump told reporters on Air Force One on Wednesday, when asked if he would make a new agreement with China.
<h2 dir="ltr">US imposes additional 10 per cent tariff on all Chinese imports</h2>
President Trump hasn't outlined the specifics of a potential deal with China, and any agreement will likely face significant hurdles, partly due to Trump's own actions. Trump has increased pressure on China by imposing an additional 10 per cent tariff on all Chinese imports, citing unfair trade practices and China's failure to curb the flow of fentanyl into the US.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indians-among-300-us-deportees-plead-for-help-from-panama-hotel-windows-not-safe-in-our-country-8738257">Indians among 300 US deportees held in Panama hotel, some migrants seen pleading for help from window</a>
The president nonetheless heaped praise on Chinese President Xi Jinping, but once again did not say if or when they would speak directly. &ldquo;There&rsquo;s a little bit of competitiveness, but the relationship I have with President Xi is, I would say, a great one,&rdquo; Trump said.
<h2 dir="ltr">Preliminary trade agreement with China</h2>
In January 2020, President Trump negotiated a preliminary trade agreement with China, where Beijing agreed to protect US trade secrets and technology, purchase an additional $200 billion worth of American products, and reduce trade barriers for US exports.&nbsp;
However, the relationship was short-lived, as the coronavirus pandemic hit the globe just weeks later, with Trump pointing fingers at China. This marked a significant shift in their trade dynamics.
&ldquo;They had about $50 billion worth of our product, and we were making them buy it. The problem is that Biden didn&rsquo;t push them to adhere to it,&rdquo; Trump said, referring to his predecessor.
(With inputs from agencies)
&nbsp;

World: President Trump is initiating talks for a new trade agreement with China to enhance American exports and invite increased Chinese investments into the US economy.

President Trump is exploring a new trade deal with China, aiming to boost China's purchases of American products and attract more Chinese investments to the US. According to the New York Times (NYSE:NYT), multiple sources close to the president, Trump is pushing for a wide-ranging deal with Chinese President Xi Jinping, going beyond just trade, despite potential hurdles. He's eager to secure a comprehensive agreement that addresses multiple aspects of the US-China relationship. Also read | Trump criticises Tesla's plans to set up factory in India as 'unfair' to US amid trade disparities “It’s possible, it’s possible,” Trump told reporters on Air Force One on Wednesday, when asked if he would make a new agreement with China. US imposes additional 10 per cent tariff on all Chinese imports President Trump hasn't outlined the specifics of a potential deal with China, and any agreement will likely face significant hurdles, partly due to Trump's own actions. Trump has increased pressure on China by imposing an additional 10 per cent tariff on all Chinese imports, citing unfair trade practices and China's failure to curb the flow of fentanyl into the US. Also read | Indians among 300 US deportees held in Panama hotel, some migrants seen pleading for help from window The president nonetheless heaped praise on Chinese President Xi Jinping, but once again did not say if or when they would speak directly. “There’s a little bit of competitiveness, but the relationship I have with President Xi is, I would say, a great one,” Trump said. Preliminary trade agreement with China In January 2020, President Trump negotiated a preliminary trade agreement with China, where Beijing agreed to protect US trade secrets and technology, purchase an additional $200 billion worth of American products, and reduce trade barriers for US exports. However, the relationship was short-lived, as the coronavirus pandemic hit the globe just weeks later, with Trump pointing fingers at China. This marked a significant shift in their trade dynamics. “They had about $50 billion worth of our product, and we were making them buy it. The problem is that Biden didn’t push them to adhere to it,” Trump said, referring to his predecessor. (With inputs from agencies)

‘It’s possible’: Trump eyes new trade deal with China

Pope Francis' funeral is reportedly being rehearsed after the 88-year-old warned that he may not survive the latest bout of pneumonia.&nbsp;
The Swiss Guard, responsible for the Pope's security, has been rehearsing funeral protocols and is under a strict curfew as they prepare for the possibility of the pontiff's passing, according to Swiss newspaper Blick.
This comes after the pontiff was recently rushed to Rome's Gemelli hospital due to significant chest pain, after resisting calls to leave the Vatican for several days.
The Vatican, on Tuesday (Feb 18), confirmed that the Pope was diagnosed with pneumonia. Additionally, the Vatican stated that the Pope's respiratory infection is complicated by asthmatic bronchitis, which requires cortisone antibiotic treatment.
In a statement, the Vatican said the "laboratory tests, chest X-ray, and the Holy Father's clinical condition continue to present a complex picture" as a "polymicrobial infection" which has come on top of "bronchiectasis and asthmatic bronchitis.
"The follow-up chest CT scan which the Holy Father underwent this afternoon... demonstrated the onset of bilateral pneumonia, which required additional drug therapy," it said.
"Nevertheless, Pope Francis is in good spirits," said the Vatican, &nbsp;adding that Francis spent his fifth day in the hospital alternating rest with prayer and reading texts.&nbsp;
"He gives thanks for the closeness he feels at this time and asks, with a grateful heart, that we continue to pray for him", it added.&nbsp;
Francis has had influenza and other health problems several times over the past two years.&nbsp;
Talking about the Pope's condition, Italian Cardinal Angelo Comastri told broadcaster Rai, "Francis is very calm. His helm is in the hands of the Lord."
Meanwhile, according to a report by Politico, two people close to the pontiff have claimed Francis told them that he "might not make it this time".
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vatican-says-pope-francis-suffering-from-pneumonia-in-both-lungs-8734267">Also read: Pope Francis suffering from 'bilateral pneumonia', several events cancelled</a>
<h2>Italy PM Meloni visits Pope Francis</h2>
Meanwhile, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, on Wednesday (Feb 19), visited the pontiff for 20 minutes in the hospital and said that he was "alert and responsive" and full of good humour.
"We joked around as always. He has not lost his proverbial sense of humour," she said in a statement issued by her office.
Meloni is the first confirmed external visitor to meet with Pope Francis since his hospitalisation on Friday at Rome's Gemelli Hospital.
The Pope is being treated in a special suite on the hospital's 10th floor, which is reserved for popes. Until now, only the Pope's secretaries and medical team had access to him during his hospital stay.
(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

World news: In a statement, the Vatican said the "laboratory tests, chest X-ray, and the Holy Father's clinical condition continue to present a complex picture" as a "polymicrobial infection" which has come on top of "bronchiectasis and asthmatic bronchitis.

Pope Francis' funeral is reportedly being rehearsed after the 88-year-old warned that he may not survive the latest bout of pneumonia. The Swiss Guard, responsible for the Pope's security, has been rehearsing funeral protocols and is under a strict curfew as they prepare for the possibility of the pontiff's passing, according to Swiss newspaper Blick. This comes after the pontiff was recently rushed to Rome's Gemelli hospital due to significant chest pain, after resisting calls to leave the Vatican for several days. The Vatican, on Tuesday (Feb 18), confirmed that the Pope was diagnosed with pneumonia. Additionally, the Vatican stated that the Pope's respiratory infection is complicated by asthmatic bronchitis, which requires cortisone antibiotic treatment. In a statement, the Vatican said the "laboratory tests, chest X-ray, and the Holy Father's clinical condition continue to present a complex picture" as a "polymicrobial infection" which has come on top of "bronchiectasis and asthmatic bronchitis. "The follow-up chest CT scan which the Holy Father underwent this afternoon... demonstrated the onset of bilateral pneumonia, which required additional drug therapy," it said. "Nevertheless, Pope Francis is in good spirits," said the Vatican, adding that Francis spent his fifth day in the hospital alternating rest with prayer and reading texts. "He gives thanks for the closeness he feels at this time and asks, with a grateful heart, that we continue to pray for him", it added. Francis has had influenza and other health problems several times over the past two years. Talking about the Pope's condition, Italian Cardinal Angelo Comastri told broadcaster Rai, "Francis is very calm. His helm is in the hands of the Lord." Meanwhile, according to a report by Politico, two people close to the pontiff have claimed Francis told them that he "might not make it this time". Also read: Pope Francis suffering from 'bilateral pneumonia', several events cancelled Italy PM Meloni visits Pope Francis Meanwhile, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, on Wednesday (Feb 19), visited the pontiff for 20 minutes in the hospital and said that he was "alert and responsive" and full of good humour. "We joked around as always. He has not lost his proverbial sense of humour," she said in a statement issued by her office. Meloni is the first confirmed external visitor to meet with Pope Francis since his hospitalisation on Friday at Rome's Gemelli Hospital. The Pope is being treated in a special suite on the hospital's 10th floor, which is reserved for popes. Until now, only the Pope's secretaries and medical team had access to him during his hospital stay. (With inputs from agencies)

Pope Francis' funeral ‘being rehearsed’ as Swiss Guard 'prepare'; Italy PM Meloni visits pontiff: Reports

US President Donald Trump expressed concerns about Elon Musk's plans to set up a Tesla manufacturing facility in India, calling it "unfair" to the US. Trump's concerns stem from existing trade disparities and India's high import duties on American-made vehicles.
The comment, made during Trump and Musk&rsquo;s interview with Fox News presenter Sean Hannity, comes days after the Tesla CEO met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the latter&rsquo;s visit to the US.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indians-among-300-us-deportees-plead-for-help-from-panama-hotel-windows-not-safe-in-our-country-8738257">Indians among 300 US deportees held in Panama hotel, some migrants seen pleading for help from window</a>
<h2 dir="ltr">India a "tariff king"</h2>
Donald Trump has once again claimed that India imposes high tariffs, a statement that was echoed by Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla. This isn't the first time Trump has made this assertion, having previously described India as a "tariff king" that charges "tremendously high" tariffs on US products.&nbsp;
The interview was recorded earlier but broadcast on Wednesday (Feb 19).
Reiterating his claim that &ldquo;every country&rdquo; took advantage of the US with tariffs, Trump began by citing the example of tariffs on cars in India.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/morning-news-brief-starmer-backs-zelensky-against-trumps-dictator-claims-rekha-gupta-to-be-sworn-in-as-delhi-cm-and-more-8738357">Morning news brief: Starmer backs Zelensky against Trump's 'dictator' claims; Rekha Gupta to be sworn in as Delhi CM and more</a>
Trump said It&rsquo;s impossible for Musk to sell cars, practically in India. "I don&rsquo;t know if that&rsquo;s true or not, but I think&hellip;&rdquo; said Trump, and Musk completed his sentence by mentioning, &ldquo;The tariffs are like 100% import duty.&rdquo; This highlights the significant trade barriers that Tesla faces in the Indian market.
<h2 dir="ltr">&ldquo;Unfair&rdquo; to the US</h2>
The import duty on electric vehicles that cost at least $35,000 is 15 per cent in India, subject to conditions.
Trump added that if Musk wanted to build a factory in India, that was &ldquo;okay&rdquo; but also &ldquo;unfair&rdquo; to the US. &ldquo;That&rsquo;s unfair to us. It&rsquo;s very unfair,&rdquo; he said.
Trump added, &ldquo;I told Prime Minister [Narendra] Modi&hellip; Here&rsquo;s what you do. We are going to&hellip; be very fair with you.&rdquo;
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/two-dead-as-small-single-engine-planes-collide-mid-air-at-arizona-airport-8738189">Two dead as small single-engine planes collide mid-air at Arizona airport</a>
Trump was cut off mid-sentence when asked if India's tariffs were 36 per cent, to which he responded that they were "much, much higher." 
Musk chimed in, revealing that the tariffs on auto imports were actually a staggering 100 per cent.
Musk has also agreed with Trump and said &ldquo;It needs to be at a level playing field and fair and square.&rdquo; 
Trump then claimed that the US would now &ldquo;make a lot of money&rdquo; and &ldquo;a lot of businesses&rdquo; would come pouring in.
Tesla, led by Musk, has taken significant steps towards establishing a presence in India, having already identified locations for showrooms in New Delhi and Mumbai, and posted job openings for 13 mid-level positions in the country, Reuters reported.
(With inputs from agencies)
&nbsp;

World: US President Donald Trump criticises Elon Musk's Tesla plans in India, citing concerns over trade disparities and the impact of India's high import duties on US vehicles.

US President Donald Trump expressed concerns about Elon Musk's plans to set up a Tesla manufacturing facility in India, calling it "unfair" to the US. Trump's concerns stem from existing trade disparities and India's high import duties on American-made vehicles. The comment, made during Trump and Musk’s interview with Fox News presenter Sean Hannity, comes days after the Tesla CEO met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the latter’s visit to the US. Also read | Indians among 300 US deportees held in Panama hotel, some migrants seen pleading for help from window India a "tariff king" Donald Trump has once again claimed that India imposes high tariffs, a statement that was echoed by Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla. This isn't the first time Trump has made this assertion, having previously described India as a "tariff king" that charges "tremendously high" tariffs on US products. The interview was recorded earlier but broadcast on Wednesday (Feb 19). Reiterating his claim that “every country” took advantage of the US with tariffs, Trump began by citing the example of tariffs on cars in India. Also read | Morning news brief: Starmer backs Zelensky against Trump's 'dictator' claims; Rekha Gupta to be sworn in as Delhi CM and more Trump said It’s impossible for Musk to sell cars, practically in India. "I don’t know if that’s true or not, but I think…” said Trump, and Musk completed his sentence by mentioning, “The tariffs are like 100% import duty.” This highlights the significant trade barriers that Tesla faces in the Indian market. “Unfair” to the US The import duty on electric vehicles that cost at least $35,000 is 15 per cent in India, subject to conditions. Trump added that if Musk wanted to build a factory in India, that was “okay” but also “unfair” to the US. “That’s unfair to us. It’s very unfair,” he said. Trump added, “I told Prime Minister [Narendra] Modi… Here’s what you do. We are going to… be very fair with you.” Also read | Two dead as small single-engine planes collide mid-air at Arizona airport Trump was cut off mid-sentence when asked if India's tariffs were 36 per cent, to which he responded that they were "much, much higher." Musk chimed in, revealing that the tariffs on auto imports were actually a staggering 100 per cent. Musk has also agreed with Trump and said “It needs to be at a level playing field and fair and square.” Trump then claimed that the US would now “make a lot of money” and “a lot of businesses” would come pouring in. Tesla, led by Musk, has taken significant steps towards establishing a presence in India, having already identified locations for showrooms in New Delhi and Mumbai, and posted job openings for 13 mid-level positions in the country, Reuters reported. (With inputs from agencies)

Trump criticises Tesla's plans to set up factory in India as 'unfair' to US amid trade disparities

United Kingdom Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer on Wednesday (Feb 19) defended the Ukrainian leader against&nbsp;US President Donald Trump's claims that he is "a dictator without elections."
In other news, BJP leader Rekha Gupta is set to become the chief minister of Delhi, with a grand oath-taking ceremony scheduled on Thursday (Feb 20).
Meanwhile, Panama is currently holding nearly 300 deportees from various countries in a hotel after they were deported from the United States.
Click on the headlines for more
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-starmer-compares-zelensky-to-winston-churchill-defends-ukraine-prez-against-trumps-dictator-allegations-8738197">UK PM Starmer defends Zelensky against Trump's 'dictator' allegations, compares Ukraine Prez to Winston Churchill</a>
<img src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/02/20/l5vgCxlf8bunKqiQ5vZq.png" alt=" United Kingdom Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky and US President Donald Trump Photograph: (Combination created using images from Reuters) ">
United Kingdom Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer on Wednesday (Feb 19) drew a comparison between Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky and Winston Churchill, as he stepped in to defend the Ukrainian leader against US President Donald Trump's claims that he is "a dictator without elections."
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/meet-rekha-gupta-next-chief-minister-of-delhi-set-to-take-oath-on-feb-20-8737332">Meet Rekha Gupta, next chief minister of Delhi, set to take oath on Feb 20</a>
<img src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/02/19/T6XVhQrUaUzCBxebfbqI.jpg" alt=" Rekha Gupta, next chief minister of Delhi Photograph: (ANI) ">
The Delhi Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Legislative Party on Wednesday (Feb 19) elected Rekha Gupta as its leader. She is set to become the chief minister of Delhi, with a grand oath-taking ceremony scheduled on Thursday (Feb 20).
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indians-among-300-us-deportees-plead-for-help-from-panama-hotel-windows-not-safe-in-our-country-8738257">Indians among 300 US deportees pleading for help from Panama hotel windows; 'not safe in our country'</a>
<img src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/02/20/NTaUz5pVthoG9ALJZD9v.jpg" alt=" Indians among 300 US deportees plead for help from Panama hotel windows Photograph: (AFP) ">
Panama is currently holding nearly 300 deportees from various countries in a hotel after they were deported from the United States.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/criminal-trial-against-south-koreas-ousted-ousted-president-yoon-suk-yeol-begins-in-seoul-8738126">Criminal trial against South Korea's ousted President Yoon Suk Yeol begins in Seoul</a>
<img src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/02/11/G2yaS6eKbCl1vSUJc1BY.png" alt=" South Korea's impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol (top L) attends a hearing of his impeachment trial over his short-lived imposition of martial law at the Constitutional Court in Seoul on February 11, 2025. Photograph: (AFP) ">
South Korea's ousted President Yoon Suk Yeol on Thursday (Feb 20) became the nation's first head of state to face criminal proceedings in the nation's history.
Watch | ICC Champions Trophy 2025: New Zealand beat Pakistan by 60 runs in the opening game
<iframe width="600" height="auto" style="width: 100%; aspect-ratio: 4/3;" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" class="external-video publive-iframes-block" src="https://cdn.thepublive.com/wion/static/kaltura_player/wion_video_player_iframe.html?thumbnail=wion/media/post_attachments/screenshot/2002_SUMIT_NEWZELAND_7AM/00000002.jpg&amp;videourl=https://vodakm.zeenews.com/vod/WION/2002_SUMIT_NEWZELAND_7AM.mp4/index.m3u8&amp;duration=130&amp;tags=icc, icc champions trophy 2025, champions trophy 2025, new zealand, pakistan," title="ICC Champions Trophy 2025: New Zealand beat Pakistan by 60 runs in the opening game" id="PL_iframe_block-m7cu39jo-m3tzb3bs-99pl3kfe"></iframe>

Start your mornings informed with WION's concise news brief, offering a snapshot of top stories to keep you updated before your day begins.

United Kingdom Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer on Wednesday (Feb 19) defended the Ukrainian leader against US President Donald Trump's claims that he is "a dictator without elections." In other news, BJP leader Rekha Gupta is set to become the chief minister of Delhi, with a grand oath-taking ceremony scheduled on Thursday (Feb 20). Meanwhile, Panama is currently holding nearly 300 deportees from various countries in a hotel after they were deported from the United States. Click on the headlines for more UK PM Starmer defends Zelensky against Trump's 'dictator' allegations, compares Ukraine Prez to Winston Churchill United Kingdom Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer on Wednesday (Feb 19) drew a comparison between Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky and Winston Churchill, as he stepped in to defend the Ukrainian leader against US President Donald Trump's claims that he is "a dictator without elections." Meet Rekha Gupta, next chief minister of Delhi, set to take oath on Feb 20 The Delhi Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Legislative Party on Wednesday (Feb 19) elected Rekha Gupta as its leader. She is set to become the chief minister of Delhi, with a grand oath-taking ceremony scheduled on Thursday (Feb 20). Indians among 300 US deportees pleading for help from Panama hotel windows; 'not safe in our country' Panama is currently holding nearly 300 deportees from various countries in a hotel after they were deported from the United States. Criminal trial against South Korea's ousted President Yoon Suk Yeol begins in Seoul South Korea's ousted President Yoon Suk Yeol on Thursday (Feb 20) became the nation's first head of state to face criminal proceedings in the nation's history. Watch | ICC Champions Trophy 2025: New Zealand beat Pakistan by 60 runs in the opening game

Morning news brief: Starmer backs Zelensky against Trump's 'dictator' claims; Rekha Gupta to be sworn in as Delhi CM and more

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a statement on Wednesday (Feb 19) said that Thursday (Feb 20) will be &ldquo;a heartbreaking day, a day of grief,&rdquo; as an Israeli group campaigning for the release of hostages confirmed Hamas&rsquo;s youngest hostage, infant Kfir Bibas and his brother Ariel were among the four bodies set for a return.
<h2>&ldquo;Heart-shattering news&rdquo;</h2>
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum in a statement said that they have &ldquo;received the heart-shattering news that Shiri Bibas, her children Ariel and Kfir, and Oded Lifshitz are no longer with us.&rdquo;
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hamas-will-release-all-remaining-israeli-hostages-in-single-swap-during-second-phase-of-gaza-agreement-8737579">Hamas to free 'all Israeli hostages' in single swap during phase two of Gaza truce</a>
Kfir and Ariel were abducted alongside their mother Shiri Bibas from Kibbutz Nir Oz, one of a string of communities near Gaza that Hamas-led attackers overran on Oct 7. Their father Yarden was abducted separately.
At the time of the abduction, Kfir was nine months old, while his brother Ariel was just four years old.&nbsp;
On Tuesday, Hamas confirmed that the return of the bodies of Kfir, Ariel and Shiri Bibas, along with another hostage Oded Lifshitz, would take place in the southern Gaza city of Khan Yunis.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/world/palestinians-must-decide-future-of-gaza-and-hamas-not-israel-or-us-says-qatar-8733765">Palestinians must decide future of Gaza and Hamas, not Israel or US, says Qatar</a>
PM Netanyahu&rsquo;s office in a statement said that it had received the names of the hostages whose bodies are to be handed over and that they have &ldquo;updated the families&rdquo;.
In a separate statement, Netanyahu said: "Tomorrow will be a very difficult day for the State of Israel -- a heartbreaking day, a day of grief. We are bringing home four of our beloved hostages -- fallen heroes."
The young Bibas family, as per AFP, became symbols of the hostage crisis that has gripped Israel since the Gaza war broke out.
(With inputs from agencies)

World News | Kfir Bibas, abducted at nine months, and his brother Ariel were among those captured during the Hamas attack on Kibbutz Nir Oz.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a statement on Wednesday (Feb 19) said that Thursday (Feb 20) will be “a heartbreaking day, a day of grief,” as an Israeli group campaigning for the release of hostages confirmed Hamas’s youngest hostage, infant Kfir Bibas and his brother Ariel were among the four bodies set for a return. “Heart-shattering news” The Hostages and Missing Families Forum in a statement said that they have “received the heart-shattering news that Shiri Bibas, her children Ariel and Kfir, and Oded Lifshitz are no longer with us.” Also read | Hamas to free 'all Israeli hostages' in single swap during phase two of Gaza truce Kfir and Ariel were abducted alongside their mother Shiri Bibas from Kibbutz Nir Oz, one of a string of communities near Gaza that Hamas-led attackers overran on Oct 7. Their father Yarden was abducted separately. At the time of the abduction, Kfir was nine months old, while his brother Ariel was just four years old. On Tuesday, Hamas confirmed that the return of the bodies of Kfir, Ariel and Shiri Bibas, along with another hostage Oded Lifshitz, would take place in the southern Gaza city of Khan Yunis. Also read | Palestinians must decide future of Gaza and Hamas, not Israel or US, says Qatar PM Netanyahu’s office in a statement said that it had received the names of the hostages whose bodies are to be handed over and that they have “updated the families”. In a separate statement, Netanyahu said: "Tomorrow will be a very difficult day for the State of Israel -- a heartbreaking day, a day of grief. We are bringing home four of our beloved hostages -- fallen heroes." The young Bibas family, as per AFP, became symbols of the hostage crisis that has gripped Israel since the Gaza war broke out. (With inputs from agencies)

‘Day of grief’, says Netanyahu as Hamas prepares to return baby Kfir Bibas’s body

Panama is currently holding nearly 300 deportees from various countries in a hotel after they were deported from the United States.&nbsp;
These individuals were not allowed to leave the hotel while they awaited arrangements for their return to their home countries, which are being coordinated by international authorities. They are primarily from countries like India, Iran, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and China.
Over 40 per cent of the migrants have expressed their unwillingness to go back to their homeland, said authorities according to the Associated Press, with many holding signboards from the window reading &ldquo;Help&rdquo; and &ldquo;We are not safe in our country.&rdquo;&nbsp;
Due to challenges in deporting individuals directly to their countries of origin, the US is utilising Panama as a transit point. This means that migrants are being flown to Panama before being sent on to their final destinations. In a similar arrangement, Costa Rica was scheduled to receive a flight with deportees on Wednesday.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/white-house-releases-video-of-shackled-deportees-elon-musks-reaction-sparks-condemnation-8736268">Also read: White House releases video of shackled deportees; Elon Musk's reaction sparks condemnation</a>
<h2>Panama rejects claims of denying 'freedom' to migrants deported by the US</h2>
Panama's government, on Tuesday ( Feb 18) said that the migrants were not being "deprived of their freedom" while they await repatriation.
"They are in our custody for their protection," he said.
Police were seen guarding the Decapolis Hotel in Panama City, where women believed to be part of the group held up handwritten signs to journalists below saying "Please help us" and "We are not safe in our country."
Public Security Minister Frank Abrego said that the migrants who do not voluntarily go home would be transferred to a shelter in the Darien jungle, near the border with Colombia, while the International Organization for Migration and the UN refugee agency organise their relocation to another country
"We're providing them with all the necessary medical care and comforts, and we will continue to do so until the last of them leaves our country, which is what was agreed with the United States government," he added.
Panama has complied "with all international regulations," Abrego said.&nbsp;
The minister addressed a press briefing after The New York Times in a report revealed that migrants had their passports and cellphones confiscated, were confined to a hotel, and denied access to lawyers.&nbsp;
They were "locked in a hotel, barred from seeing lawyers and told they would soon be sent to a makeshift camp near the Panamanian jungle," the newspaper said.
Indian Embassy in Panama also released a statement on Thursday (Feb 20) stating that Panamanian authorities have informed that some Indian migrants have reached Panama from the US and are "safe and secure" at a hotel with "all the essential facilities".
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m7cxlv70-nvzss8c8-g1kjyrvi">
Panamanian authorities have informed us that a group of Indians have reached Panama from US They are safe and secure at a Hotel with all essential facilities Embassy team has obtained consular access We are working closely with the host Government to ensure their wellbeing <a href="https://t.co/fdFT82YVhS">pic.twitter.com/fdFT82YVhS</a>
&mdash; India in Panama, Nicaragua, Costa Rica (@IndiainPanama) <a href="https://twitter.com/IndiainPanama/status/1892436359551259096?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 20, 2025</a></blockquote>
"Embassy team has obtained consular access. We are working closely with the host Government to ensure their wellbeing," it added.
(With inputs from agencies)

World news: Police were seen guarding the Decapolis Hotel in Panama City, where women believed to be part of the group held up handwritten signs to journalists below saying "Please help us" and "We are not safe in our country."

Panama is currently holding nearly 300 deportees from various countries in a hotel after they were deported from the United States. These individuals were not allowed to leave the hotel while they awaited arrangements for their return to their home countries, which are being coordinated by international authorities. They are primarily from countries like India, Iran, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and China. Over 40 per cent of the migrants have expressed their unwillingness to go back to their homeland, said authorities according to the Associated Press, with many holding signboards from the window reading “Help” and “We are not safe in our country.” Due to challenges in deporting individuals directly to their countries of origin, the US is utilising Panama as a transit point. This means that migrants are being flown to Panama before being sent on to their final destinations. In a similar arrangement, Costa Rica was scheduled to receive a flight with deportees on Wednesday. Also read: White House releases video of shackled deportees; Elon Musk's reaction sparks condemnation Panama rejects claims of denying 'freedom' to migrants deported by the US Panama's government, on Tuesday ( Feb 18) said that the migrants were not being "deprived of their freedom" while they await repatriation. "They are in our custody for their protection," he said. Police were seen guarding the Decapolis Hotel in Panama City, where women believed to be part of the group held up handwritten signs to journalists below saying "Please help us" and "We are not safe in our country." Public Security Minister Frank Abrego said that the migrants who do not voluntarily go home would be transferred to a shelter in the Darien jungle, near the border with Colombia, while the International Organization for Migration and the UN refugee agency organise their relocation to another country "We're providing them with all the necessary medical care and comforts, and we will continue to do so until the last of them leaves our country, which is what was agreed with the United States government," he added. Panama has complied "with all international regulations," Abrego said. The minister addressed a press briefing after The New York Times in a report revealed that migrants had their passports and cellphones confiscated, were confined to a hotel, and denied access to lawyers. They were "locked in a hotel, barred from seeing lawyers and told they would soon be sent to a makeshift camp near the Panamanian jungle," the newspaper said. Indian Embassy in Panama also released a statement on Thursday (Feb 20) stating that Panamanian authorities have informed that some Indian migrants have reached Panama from the US and are "safe and secure" at a hotel with "all the essential facilities". Panamanian authorities have informed us that a group of Indians have reached Panama from US They are safe and secure at a Hotel with all essential facilities Embassy team has obtained consular access We are working closely with the host Government to ensure their wellbeing pic.twitter.com/fdFT82YVhS — India in Panama, Nicaragua, Costa Rica (@IndiainPanama) February 20, 2025 "Embassy team has obtained consular access. We are working closely with the host Government to ensure their wellbeing," it added. (With inputs from agencies)

Indians among 300 US deportees held in Panama hotel, some migrants seen pleading for help from window

At least two people lost their lives after two small single-engine aircraft collided midair at an Arizona airport on Wednesday, authorities said. The Federal Aviation Administration said that a Lancair 360 MK II and a Cessna 172S collided at Marana Regional Airport just before 8:30 am local time.&nbsp;
In a post on Meta, police wrote, "Two confirmed dead and both planes were smaller fixed wing single engine planes."&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-administration-reportedly-orders-pentagon-to-plan-for-expansive-cuts-8738104">Trump administration planning cuts from defence budget: Report&nbsp;</a>
In a statement, NTSB said that based on preliminary information, the "aircraft collided while upwind of runway 12". The Cessna "landed uneventfully," while the Lancair "impacted terrain near runway 3 and a post-impact fire ensued."&nbsp;
Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-trump-blasts-ukrainian-president-zelensky-russia-ukraine-war-putin-8737582" target="_blank" rel="noopener">&lsquo;Dictator Without Elections&rsquo;: Trump blasts Zelensky after &lsquo;disinformation&rsquo; dig, warns Ukraine could collapse</a>
<blockquote cite="https://graph.facebook.com/100064540098062/posts/1031429539018373/" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore publive-iframes-block publive-Facebook-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m7cr3gmm-sbtvyxty-r2iaejvx">
News Release: At approximately 8:30 AM on February 19, 2025, an incident involving two single-engine fixed-wing aircraft...
Posted by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/MaranaPoliceDepartment">Marana Police Department</a> on&nbsp;<a href="https://graph.facebook.com/100064540098062/posts/1031429539018373/">Wednesday, February 19, 2025</a></blockquote>
In the post on social media, Airport Superintendent Galen Beem said, "On behalf of the Town of Marana and the Marana Regional Airport, our hearts go out to all the individuals and families impacted by this event."
Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nobody-excluding-ukraine-from-talks-putin-says-negotiations-key-priority-for-russia-8737304" target="_blank" rel="noopener">&lsquo;Nobody excluding Ukraine from talks,&rsquo; Putin says negotiations &lsquo;key priority for Russia&rsquo;</a>
"This is an unprecedented event, and we are grateful for the swift response from the Marana Police Department and Northwest Fire District," Beem added.&nbsp;
Local reports have mentioned that the airport, which is about 21 miles northwest of Tucson, is an uncontrolled field, which means that it does not have an operating air traffic control tower.&nbsp;
Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hamas-will-release-all-remaining-israeli-hostages-in-single-swap-during-second-phase-of-gaza-agreement-8737579" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hamas to free 'all Israeli hostages' in single swap during phase two of Gaza truce</a>&nbsp;
As quoted by local reports, the FAA said, "Pilots utilize a Common Traffic Advisory Frequency (CTAF) to regularly announce their position to other pilots who are in the airport vicinity."&nbsp;
"The Pilot-in-Command is responsible for maintaining safe separation from other aircraft. Pilots operating into uncontrolled fields are still required to comply with all Federal Aviation Regulations, including minimum visibilities, minimum safe altitudes, and right-of-way rules," it added.&nbsp;
NTSB and FAA have actively been investigating the incident.&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

World | Understand the challenges of operating in uncontrolled airfields like Marana, where pilots rely on common frequencies for communication and safety.

At least two people lost their lives after two small single-engine aircraft collided midair at an Arizona airport on Wednesday, authorities said. The Federal Aviation Administration said that a Lancair 360 MK II and a Cessna 172S collided at Marana Regional Airport just before 8:30 am local time. In a post on Meta, police wrote, "Two confirmed dead and both planes were smaller fixed wing single engine planes." Also read: Trump administration planning cuts from defence budget: Report In a statement, NTSB said that based on preliminary information, the "aircraft collided while upwind of runway 12". The Cessna "landed uneventfully," while the Lancair "impacted terrain near runway 3 and a post-impact fire ensued." Also read: ‘Dictator Without Elections’: Trump blasts Zelensky after ‘disinformation’ dig, warns Ukraine could collapse News Release: At approximately 8:30 AM on February 19, 2025, an incident involving two single-engine fixed-wing aircraft... Posted by Marana Police Department on Wednesday, February 19, 2025 In the post on social media, Airport Superintendent Galen Beem said, "On behalf of the Town of Marana and the Marana Regional Airport, our hearts go out to all the individuals and families impacted by this event." Also read: ‘Nobody excluding Ukraine from talks,’ Putin says negotiations ‘key priority for Russia’ "This is an unprecedented event, and we are grateful for the swift response from the Marana Police Department and Northwest Fire District," Beem added. Local reports have mentioned that the airport, which is about 21 miles northwest of Tucson, is an uncontrolled field, which means that it does not have an operating air traffic control tower. Also read: Hamas to free 'all Israeli hostages' in single swap during phase two of Gaza truce As quoted by local reports, the FAA said, "Pilots utilize a Common Traffic Advisory Frequency (CTAF) to regularly announce their position to other pilots who are in the airport vicinity." "The Pilot-in-Command is responsible for maintaining safe separation from other aircraft. Pilots operating into uncontrolled fields are still required to comply with all Federal Aviation Regulations, including minimum visibilities, minimum safe altitudes, and right-of-way rules," it added. NTSB and FAA have actively been investigating the incident. (With inputs from agencies)

Two dead as small single-engine planes collide mid-air at Arizona airport

United Kingdom Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer on Wednesday (Feb 19) drew a comparison between Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky and Winston Churchill, as he stepped in to defend the Ukrainian leader against US President Donald Trump's claims that he is "a dictator without elections."
Trump's controversial remarks followed Zelensky's accusation that the US president had fallen for Russian fake news. The US president recently also suggested that Ukraine, rather than Moscow, was responsible for the war that has raged since Russia's illegal invasion three years ago.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-trump-blasts-ukrainian-president-zelensky-russia-ukraine-war-putin-8737582">&lsquo;Dictator Without Elections&rsquo;: Trump blasts Zelensky after &lsquo;disinformation&rsquo; dig, warns Ukraine could collapse</a>
<h2>Starmer defends Zelensky</h2>
In the aftermath of Trump's comments, political leaders across the world, including Starmer have voiced their support for Zelensky. Downing Street confirmed that the UK Prime Minister held talks with the Ukrainian leader, reaffirming him as the "democratically elected leader" of Ukraine.
According to Number 10, Starmer also told Zelensky that suspending elections during wartime is "perfectly reasonable," citing Britain's own decision to do so during World War II. He also "stressed the need for everyone to work together," and reiterated "his support for the US-led efforts to get a lasting peace that deterred Russia from any future aggression".
However, as per Daily Mail, Downing Street or Starmer did not explicitly criticise Trump's remarks ahead of the UK PM's planned visit to Washington, where he is set to discuss the ongoing conflict in Ukraine with the American leader.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nothing-about-ukraine-without-ukraine-canadas-trudeau-says-kyiv-should-be-part-of-us-russia-talks-8737382">'Nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine': Canada's Trudeau says Kyiv should be part of US-Russia talks</a>
<h2>Trump attacks Ukraine...again</h2>
Trump, meanwhile, took to his social media platform, Truth Social, to launch a scathing attack on Zelensky, Ukraine, and the billions of dollars in aid provided by the Biden administration. In a lengthy tirade, he wrote: "Think of it, a modestly successful comedian, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, talked the United States of America into spending $350 Billion Dollars, to go into a War that couldn't be won, that never had to start, but a War that he, without the US and 'TRUMP,' will never be able to settle".&nbsp;
"I love Ukraine, but Zelenskyy has done a terrible job, his Country is shattered, and MILLIONS have unnecessarily died &ndash; And so it continues..." he added.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-blames-zelensky-for-ukraines-war-with-russia-you-should-have-never-started-it-8734910">Trump blames Zelensky for Ukraine's war with Russia: 'You should have never started it'</a>
The US president also insinuated that European nations had not contributed their fair share of support and suggested that Zelensky had played Biden "like a fiddle".&nbsp;
<iframe width="600" height="" style="max-width: 100%; border: 0;" src="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/114031332924234939/embed" class="truthsocial-embed" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
<script src="https://truthsocial.com/embed.js" async="async"></script>

In a statement that could be interpreted as a veiled threat, he warned: "Zelensky better move fast or he is not going to have a Country left".
In response to Trump&rsquo;s 'dictator' claims, Zelensky pointed to polling data showing that 57 per cent of Ukrainians trust him. In Ukraine&rsquo;s 2019 presidential elections, he won 73 per cent of the vote.
(With inputs from agencies)

World News | UK PM Keir Starmer defends Ukraine's President Zelensky against Trump's dictator accusations, likening him to Winston Churchill for his wartime leadership.

United Kingdom Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer on Wednesday (Feb 19) drew a comparison between Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky and Winston Churchill, as he stepped in to defend the Ukrainian leader against US President Donald Trump's claims that he is "a dictator without elections." Trump's controversial remarks followed Zelensky's accusation that the US president had fallen for Russian fake news. The US president recently also suggested that Ukraine, rather than Moscow, was responsible for the war that has raged since Russia's illegal invasion three years ago. Also read | ‘Dictator Without Elections’: Trump blasts Zelensky after ‘disinformation’ dig, warns Ukraine could collapse Starmer defends Zelensky In the aftermath of Trump's comments, political leaders across the world, including Starmer have voiced their support for Zelensky. Downing Street confirmed that the UK Prime Minister held talks with the Ukrainian leader, reaffirming him as the "democratically elected leader" of Ukraine. According to Number 10, Starmer also told Zelensky that suspending elections during wartime is "perfectly reasonable," citing Britain's own decision to do so during World War II. He also "stressed the need for everyone to work together," and reiterated "his support for the US-led efforts to get a lasting peace that deterred Russia from any future aggression". However, as per Daily Mail, Downing Street or Starmer did not explicitly criticise Trump's remarks ahead of the UK PM's planned visit to Washington, where he is set to discuss the ongoing conflict in Ukraine with the American leader. Also read | 'Nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine': Canada's Trudeau says Kyiv should be part of US-Russia talks Trump attacks Ukraine...again Trump, meanwhile, took to his social media platform, Truth Social, to launch a scathing attack on Zelensky, Ukraine, and the billions of dollars in aid provided by the Biden administration. In a lengthy tirade, he wrote: "Think of it, a modestly successful comedian, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, talked the United States of America into spending $350 Billion Dollars, to go into a War that couldn't be won, that never had to start, but a War that he, without the US and 'TRUMP,' will never be able to settle". "I love Ukraine, but Zelenskyy has done a terrible job, his Country is shattered, and MILLIONS have unnecessarily died – And so it continues..." he added. Also read | Trump blames Zelensky for Ukraine's war with Russia: 'You should have never started it' The US president also insinuated that European nations had not contributed their fair share of support and suggested that Zelensky had played Biden "like a fiddle". In a statement that could be interpreted as a veiled threat, he warned: "Zelensky better move fast or he is not going to have a Country left". In response to Trump’s 'dictator' claims, Zelensky pointed to polling data showing that 57 per cent of Ukrainians trust him. In Ukraine’s 2019 presidential elections, he won 73 per cent of the vote. (With inputs from agencies)

UK PM Starmer defends Zelensky against Trump's 'dictator' jibe, compares Ukraine prez to Winston Churchill

South Korea's ousted President Yoon Suk Yeol on Thursday (Feb 20) became the nation's first head of state to face criminal proceedings in the nation's history.
The trial, which began on Thursday at Seoul's Central District Court, revolves around Yoon's controversial December 4, 2024 attempt to impose martial law in the country.
The 64-year-old former prosecutor was arrested last month on charges of insurrection. If convicted, he could be sentenced to life in prison or even face the death penalty.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/suspended-south-korean-president-yoon-in-court-blames-malicious-opposition-for-martial-law-8710364">Suspended South Korean President Yoon, in court, blames 'malicious' opposition for martial law</a>
<h2>Criminal proceedings begin against Yoon</h2>
The criminal proceedings against the embattled leader commenced at 10 am (0100 GMT), with prosecutors branding Yoon as the "ringleader of an insurrection."
His legal team, however, maintains that the indictment itself is flawed, arguing that declaring martial law was within his presidential powers and should not be subject to judicial scrutiny. They insist that his actions were "an act of governance and cannot be subject to judicial review".
Meanwhile, a parallel legal battle is unfolding at South Korea's Constitutional Court, which is weighing his impeachment by parliament in December. Later in the day, at 3 pm, Yoon will have his tenth impeachment hearing.&nbsp;
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-korea-investigators-recomment-insurrection-and-abuse-of-power-charges-against-impeached-president-yoon-suk-yeol-8645767">South Korea investigators recommend 'insurrection and abuse of power' charges against Yoon</a>
Key figures are expected to testify, including former acting president Han Duck-soo and ex-intelligence official Hong Jang-won. Another notable witness is Cho Ji-ho, the head of South Korea's National Police Agency, who also faces insurrection charges linked to the martial law order.
It remains uncertain whether this will be the final impeachment hearing before the Constitutional Court's eight judges retreat behind closed doors to deliberate. Historical precedent suggests the process could take weeks&mdash;previously impeached presidents Park Geun-hye and Roh Moo-hyun waited 11 and 14 days, respectively, for rulings on their fates.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-koreas-yoon-denies-ordering-military-to-drag-out-lawmakers-in-martial-law-bid-8639839">South Korea's Yoon denies ordering military to 'drag out' lawmakers in martial law bid</a>
<h2>What happens if Yoon is impeached?</h2>
The stakes are high&mdash;if the court upholds the impeachment, Yoon will be permanently removed from office, triggering a fresh presidential election within 60 days.
On December 3, Yoon in a dramatic move temporarily suspended civilian rule and deployed troops to parliament, plunging the nation into political chaos. The declaration of martial law was short-lived, lasting only six hours, as opposition lawmakers defied military presence to vote it down. This led to Yoon's impeachment and eventual arrest in January on charges of insurrection&mdash;making him the first sitting South Korean president to face such charges.
(With inputs from agencies)

World News | Learn about the high-stakes situation, where Yoon's impeachment could lead to permanent removal from office and a fresh presidential election within days.

South Korea's ousted President Yoon Suk Yeol on Thursday (Feb 20) became the nation's first head of state to face criminal proceedings in the nation's history. The trial, which began on Thursday at Seoul's Central District Court, revolves around Yoon's controversial December 4, 2024 attempt to impose martial law in the country. The 64-year-old former prosecutor was arrested last month on charges of insurrection. If convicted, he could be sentenced to life in prison or even face the death penalty. Also read | Suspended South Korean President Yoon, in court, blames 'malicious' opposition for martial law Criminal proceedings begin against Yoon The criminal proceedings against the embattled leader commenced at 10 am (0100 GMT), with prosecutors branding Yoon as the "ringleader of an insurrection." His legal team, however, maintains that the indictment itself is flawed, arguing that declaring martial law was within his presidential powers and should not be subject to judicial scrutiny. They insist that his actions were "an act of governance and cannot be subject to judicial review". Meanwhile, a parallel legal battle is unfolding at South Korea's Constitutional Court, which is weighing his impeachment by parliament in December. Later in the day, at 3 pm, Yoon will have his tenth impeachment hearing. Also read | South Korea investigators recommend 'insurrection and abuse of power' charges against Yoon Key figures are expected to testify, including former acting president Han Duck-soo and ex-intelligence official Hong Jang-won. Another notable witness is Cho Ji-ho, the head of South Korea's National Police Agency, who also faces insurrection charges linked to the martial law order. It remains uncertain whether this will be the final impeachment hearing before the Constitutional Court's eight judges retreat behind closed doors to deliberate. Historical precedent suggests the process could take weeks—previously impeached presidents Park Geun-hye and Roh Moo-hyun waited 11 and 14 days, respectively, for rulings on their fates. Also read | South Korea's Yoon denies ordering military to 'drag out' lawmakers in martial law bid What happens if Yoon is impeached? The stakes are high—if the court upholds the impeachment, Yoon will be permanently removed from office, triggering a fresh presidential election within 60 days. On December 3, Yoon in a dramatic move temporarily suspended civilian rule and deployed troops to parliament, plunging the nation into political chaos. The declaration of martial law was short-lived, lasting only six hours, as opposition lawmakers defied military presence to vote it down. This led to Yoon's impeachment and eventual arrest in January on charges of insurrection—making him the first sitting South Korean president to face such charges. (With inputs from agencies)

Criminal trial against South Korea's ousted President Yoon Suk Yeol begins in Seoul

Pete Hegseth, the US defence secretary, has ordered to develop plans for cutting 8% from the defence budget in each of the next five years, the Washington Post reported, citing a memo it obtained.&nbsp;
According to the memo, Hegseth has ordered the proposed cuts to be drawn up by February 24. The memo also includes a list of 17 categories that the Trump administration wants exempted. &nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-trump-blasts-ukrainian-president-zelensky-russia-ukraine-war-putin-8737582">&lsquo;Dictator Without Elections&rsquo;: Trump blasts Zelensky after &lsquo;disinformation&rsquo; dig, warns Ukraine could collapse</a>
The categories include operations at the southern US border, modernisation of nuclear weapons and missile defence and acquisition of one-way attack drones and other munitions.&nbsp;
The proposed cuts would include tens of billions of dollars in each of the next five years if the plans are adopted in full, the report mentioned.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nobody-excluding-ukraine-from-talks-putin-says-negotiations-key-priority-for-russia-8737304">&lsquo;Nobody excluding Ukraine from talks,&rsquo; Putin says negotiations &lsquo;key priority for Russia&rsquo;</a>
The Pentagon's budget for 2025 is some $850 billion and if implemented in full, the cuts would reduce that figure by tens of billions each year to some $560 billion by the end of the five years.
The memo also calls for continued "support agency" funding for several major regional headquarters, including Indo-Pacific Command, Northern Command and Space Command.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hamas-will-release-all-remaining-israeli-hostages-in-single-swap-during-second-phase-of-gaza-agreement-8737579">Hamas to free 'all Israeli hostages' in single swap during phase two of Gaza truce</a>
<h2>Is the European command missing from the list?&nbsp;</h2>
The report mentioned that the European command, which has had a leading role in executing US strategy during the war in Ukraine; the central command, which oversees operations in the Middle East; and the Africa Command, which manages the several thousand troops the Pentagon has spread across that continent, were notably absent.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/one-big-beautiful-bill-trump-throws-full-weight-behind-house-gop-budget-plan-snubbing-senate-8737455">'ONE BIG BEAUTIFUL BILL': Trump throws full weight behind House GOP budget plan, snubbing Senate</a>
In the memo, which is dated Tuesday, Hegseth wrote, "President Trump's charge to DoD is clear: achieve peace through strength."
"The time for preparation is over &ndash; we must act urgently to revive the warrior ethos, rebuild our military, and re-establish deterrence. Our budget will resource the fighting force we need, cease unnecessary defence spending, reject excessive bureaucracy, and drive actionable reform including progress on the audit," he added.&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)

World | Learn about the Pentagon's directive to protect key areas like nuclear modernization and border operations while trimming tens of billions from the defence budget.

Pete Hegseth, the US defence secretary, has ordered to develop plans for cutting 8% from the defence budget in each of the next five years, the Washington Post reported, citing a memo it obtained. According to the memo, Hegseth has ordered the proposed cuts to be drawn up by February 24. The memo also includes a list of 17 categories that the Trump administration wants exempted. Also read: ‘Dictator Without Elections’: Trump blasts Zelensky after ‘disinformation’ dig, warns Ukraine could collapse The categories include operations at the southern US border, modernisation of nuclear weapons and missile defence and acquisition of one-way attack drones and other munitions. The proposed cuts would include tens of billions of dollars in each of the next five years if the plans are adopted in full, the report mentioned. Also read: ‘Nobody excluding Ukraine from talks,’ Putin says negotiations ‘key priority for Russia’ The Pentagon's budget for 2025 is some $850 billion and if implemented in full, the cuts would reduce that figure by tens of billions each year to some $560 billion by the end of the five years. The memo also calls for continued "support agency" funding for several major regional headquarters, including Indo-Pacific Command, Northern Command and Space Command. Also read: Hamas to free 'all Israeli hostages' in single swap during phase two of Gaza truce Is the European command missing from the list? The report mentioned that the European command, which has had a leading role in executing US strategy during the war in Ukraine; the central command, which oversees operations in the Middle East; and the Africa Command, which manages the several thousand troops the Pentagon has spread across that continent, were notably absent. Also read: 'ONE BIG BEAUTIFUL BILL': Trump throws full weight behind House GOP budget plan, snubbing Senate In the memo, which is dated Tuesday, Hegseth wrote, "President Trump's charge to DoD is clear: achieve peace through strength." "The time for preparation is over – we must act urgently to revive the warrior ethos, rebuild our military, and re-establish deterrence. Our budget will resource the fighting force we need, cease unnecessary defence spending, reject excessive bureaucracy, and drive actionable reform including progress on the audit," he added. (With inputs from agencies)

Trump administration planning cuts from defence budget: Report

Sweden's prime minister said Wednesday that the outcome of the war in Ukraine will affect security in Europe for years as European leaders scramble to respond to a shock policy shift in Washington.
"On Ukraine, Europe and the world are currently at a crossroads. How the war against Ukraine will end will affect and shape the security of the whole of Europe for generations to come," Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson told a Stockholm press conference.
"We take this very, very seriously," Kristersson said, while noting "these are uncertain times, no doubt".
Kristersson's comments followed an emergency meeting held by French President Emmanuel Macron, who spoke to leaders of 19 countries.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-trump-blasts-ukrainian-president-zelensky-russia-ukraine-war-putin-8737582">&lsquo;Dictator without elections&rsquo;: Trump blasts Zelensky after &lsquo;disinformation&rsquo; dig, warns Ukraine could collapse</a>
US President Donald Trump has stunned the European Union by indicating he is ready to resume diplomacy with Vladimir Putin after three years of Russia's war against Ukraine and to discuss the fate of the pro-Western country over the heads of not only Europe but also Kyiv.
Asked by a reporter about Trump branding Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky a "dictator," Kristersson responded by saying that was an "incorrect" description.
"President Zelensky is democratically elected. I think nobody wants elections more than Ukraine, because elections would mean that there is peace in Ukraine and that they can run their country again," the prime minister said.
Kristersson also stressed the need for Europe to rearm.
"There will have to be a dramatic rearmament both to meet Ukraine's needs and to meet European needs after some kind of peace in Ukraine," he said.
Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.
&nbsp;

World | Asked by a reporter about Trump branding Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky a "dictator," Kristersson responded by saying that was an "incorrect" description.

Sweden's prime minister said Wednesday that the outcome of the war in Ukraine will affect security in Europe for years as European leaders scramble to respond to a shock policy shift in Washington. "On Ukraine, Europe and the world are currently at a crossroads. How the war against Ukraine will end will affect and shape the security of the whole of Europe for generations to come," Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson told a Stockholm press conference. "We take this very, very seriously," Kristersson said, while noting "these are uncertain times, no doubt". Kristersson's comments followed an emergency meeting held by French President Emmanuel Macron, who spoke to leaders of 19 countries. Also read | ‘Dictator without elections’: Trump blasts Zelensky after ‘disinformation’ dig, warns Ukraine could collapse US President Donald Trump has stunned the European Union by indicating he is ready to resume diplomacy with Vladimir Putin after three years of Russia's war against Ukraine and to discuss the fate of the pro-Western country over the heads of not only Europe but also Kyiv. Asked by a reporter about Trump branding Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky a "dictator," Kristersson responded by saying that was an "incorrect" description. "President Zelensky is democratically elected. I think nobody wants elections more than Ukraine, because elections would mean that there is peace in Ukraine and that they can run their country again," the prime minister said. Kristersson also stressed the need for Europe to rearm. "There will have to be a dramatic rearmament both to meet Ukraine's needs and to meet European needs after some kind of peace in Ukraine," he said. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Outcome of Ukraine war will shape European security for 'generations to come', says Swedish PM

Ukraine must be part of any talks about its future, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Wednesday, after US and Russian officials held high-level talks in Saudi Arabia that excluded Kyiv.
"It's a fundamental principle for Canada and for the vast majority of our allies... Nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine," Trudeau said ahead of a meeting on the conflict and European security hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-trump-blasts-ukrainian-president-zelensky-russia-ukraine-war-putin-8737582">'Did a terrible job': Trump blasts 'modestly successful comedian' Zelensky, says he won't have&nbsp;a&nbsp;country&nbsp;left</a>
Trudeau also pushed back against comments from President Donald Trump, who on Tuesday echoed many of Russia's talking points on the three-year war in Ukraine, blaming Kyiv for having "started" the fighting.
"We had rules around borders, around not invading your neighbors that Russia chose deliberately to violate a number of years ago," Trudeau said.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/one-big-beautiful-bill-trump-throws-full-weight-behind-house-gop-budget-plan-snubbing-senate-8737455">'ONE BIG BEAUTIFUL BILL': Trump throws full weight behind House GOP budget plan, snubbing Senate</a>
"And that puts at risk, not just Ukrainians' ability to determine their own future, it puts at risk all of our democracies, all of the rules that keep us safe and prosperous."
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.

World: "It's a fundamental principle for Canada and for the vast majority of our allies... Nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine," Trudeau said ahead of a meeting on the conflict and European security hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron.

Ukraine must be part of any talks about its future, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Wednesday, after US and Russian officials held high-level talks in Saudi Arabia that excluded Kyiv. "It's a fundamental principle for Canada and for the vast majority of our allies... Nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine," Trudeau said ahead of a meeting on the conflict and European security hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron. Also read: 'Did a terrible job': Trump blasts 'modestly successful comedian' Zelensky, says he won't have a country left Trudeau also pushed back against comments from President Donald Trump, who on Tuesday echoed many of Russia's talking points on the three-year war in Ukraine, blaming Kyiv for having "started" the fighting. "We had rules around borders, around not invading your neighbors that Russia chose deliberately to violate a number of years ago," Trudeau said. Also read: 'ONE BIG BEAUTIFUL BILL': Trump throws full weight behind House GOP budget plan, snubbing Senate "And that puts at risk, not just Ukrainians' ability to determine their own future, it puts at risk all of our democracies, all of the rules that keep us safe and prosperous." 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.

'Nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine': Canada's Trudeau says Kyiv should be part of US-Russia talks

world

World, News on World, stories on World, articles on World, World stories at Wion, World news, World latest news