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Russia is not satisfied with the proposals reportedly made by US President-elect Donald Trump's team to postpone Ukraine's NATO membership and the deployment of peacekeepers, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-foreign-minister-lavrov-backs-indias-unsc-bid-at-unga-762855">Russian Foreign Minister Sergey</a> Lavrov said during an interview with the Russian News Agency TASS on Sunday (December 29).
Citing leaks and Trump&rsquo;s interview with Time magazine on 12 December, Lavrov said, &ldquo;He is talking about &lsquo;freezing&rsquo; hostilities along the line of engagement and transferring further responsibility for confronting Russia to the Europeans. We are certainly not satisfied with the proposals made by representatives of the president-elect's team to postpone Ukraine's membership in NATO for 20 years and to deploy a peacekeeping contingent of &lsquo;UK and European forces&rsquo; in Ukraine," the Russian top diplomat said.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/azerbaijan-president-confirms-plane-crash-caused-by-russian-shooting-regrets-false-narrative-8575645">Azerbaijan president confirms plane crash caused by Russian shooting, regrets &lsquo;false narrative&rsquo;</a>
"Until January 20 - the date of inauguration - Donald Trump has the status of 'president-elect,' and all policy on all fronts is determined by the incumbent president and his administration. And so far, only the latter is authorised to engage with Russia on behalf of the United States," he added.&nbsp;
"From time to time, as we are regularly informed, this happens, but there is no talk of negotiations on Ukraine in such contacts," the Russian foreign minister said.
Reports suggest that Trump discussed these proposals during a 7 December meeting in Paris with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and French President Emmanuel Macron.&nbsp;
<h2>Putin 'ready' to talk with Trump anytime</h2>
Trump during his campaign had claimed he would&nbsp;bring the war to an end&nbsp;"within 24 hours" of taking office, although he did not provide specific details on how he would do it.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-war-outgoing-us-president-biden-125-bn-military-aid-for-kyiv-8573331">Ukraine war: US Prez Biden to announce $1.25 bn military aid for Kyiv</a>
When asked about Trump&rsquo;s comments on a potential peace agreement during his annual year-end press conference, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-says-it-may-consider-own-options-if-us-resumes-nuclear-testing-under-trumps-watch-8570852">Russian President Vladimir Putin</a> said he would welcome talks with the incoming leader. &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t know when I will see him. He isn&rsquo;t saying anything about it. I haven&rsquo;t spoken to him in more than four years. I am ready, of course. Any time,&rdquo; Putin said.
(With inputs from agencies)

World: Citing leaks and Trump’s interview with Time magazine on 12 December, Lavrov said, “We are certainly not satisfied with the proposals made by representatives of the president-elect's team to postpone Ukraine's membership in NATO."

Russia is not satisfied with the proposals reportedly made by US President-elect Donald Trump's team to postpone Ukraine's NATO membership and the deployment of peacekeepers, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said during an interview with the Russian News Agency TASS on Sunday (December 29). Citing leaks and Trump’s interview with Time magazine on 12 December, Lavrov said, “He is talking about ‘freezing’ hostilities along the line of engagement and transferring further responsibility for confronting Russia to the Europeans. We are certainly not satisfied with the proposals made by representatives of the president-elect's team to postpone Ukraine's membership in NATO for 20 years and to deploy a peacekeeping contingent of ‘UK and European forces’ in Ukraine," the Russian top diplomat said. Also read: Azerbaijan president confirms plane crash caused by Russian shooting, regrets ‘false narrative’ "Until January 20 - the date of inauguration - Donald Trump has the status of 'president-elect,' and all policy on all fronts is determined by the incumbent president and his administration. And so far, only the latter is authorised to engage with Russia on behalf of the United States," he added. "From time to time, as we are regularly informed, this happens, but there is no talk of negotiations on Ukraine in such contacts," the Russian foreign minister said. Reports suggest that Trump discussed these proposals during a 7 December meeting in Paris with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and French President Emmanuel Macron. Putin 'ready' to talk with Trump anytime Trump during his campaign had claimed he would bring the war to an end "within 24 hours" of taking office, although he did not provide specific details on how he would do it. Also read: Ukraine war: US Prez Biden to announce $1.25 bn military aid for Kyiv When asked about Trump’s comments on a potential peace agreement during his annual year-end press conference, Russian President Vladimir Putin said he would welcome talks with the incoming leader. “I don’t know when I will see him. He isn’t saying anything about it. I haven’t spoken to him in more than four years. I am ready, of course. Any time,” Putin said. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia 'not satisfied' with Donald Trump's Ukraine peace plan: Report

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Georgia&rsquo;s pro-Western outgoing president, Salome Zourabichvili, has announced she will vacate the presidential palace but insists she remains the country&rsquo;s legitimate leader after refusing to hand over the keys to her successor.
&ldquo;I remain the only legitimate president. I will leave the presidential palace and stand with you, carrying with me the legitimacy, the flag and your trust,&rdquo; Zourabichvili said. 
She criticised the ongoing parliamentary proceedings, describing them as a &ldquo;genuine parody&rdquo; that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/georgias-inaugurates-disputed-president-amid-political-crisis">Georgia</a> does not deserve.
Her comments came as thousands of protesters gathered in the capital, Tbilisi, opposing the inauguration of Mikheil Kavelashvili. 
<h2>Closed door swearing-in ceremony for the first time in Georgia's history </h2>
A former footballer and far-right politician supported by the pro-Moscow Georgian Dream (GD) party, Kavelashvili was sworn in as president during a parliamentary ceremony held behind closed doors.
Zourabichvili argued that Kavelashvili&rsquo;s election was not legitimate, claiming that the parliamentary vote that selected him came from a fraudulent election held in October. She, alongside pro-European Union demonstrators, has called for new elections.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-sanctions-ex-georgian-prime-minister-ivanishvili-for-undermining-nations-future-to-benefit-russia-8574254">US sanctions ex-Georgia prime minister Ivanishvili for undermining nation's 'future' to benefit Russia</a>
However, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-is-georgias-new-president-mikheil-kavelashvili-784005">Georgian Dream</a> party and the country&rsquo;s election commission maintain that the October election was free and fair. The party, which controls the parliament, also asserts that Kavelashvili is the rightful president.
During his inauguration speech, 53-year-old Kavelashvili praised Georgia&rsquo;s &ldquo;traditions, values, national identity, the sanctity of the family, and faith.&rdquo; He added, &ldquo;Our history clearly shows that, after countless struggles to defend our homeland and traditions, peace has always been one of the main goals and values for the Georgian people.&rdquo;
Kavelashvili, a former Georgian Dream MP and the sole candidate for the presidency, has faced widespread rejection. Georgia&rsquo;s four main opposition parties have refused to recognise his presidency and have boycotted parliament.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/unacceptable-and-incompatible-france-warns-over-threats-against-georgias-pro-eu-president-8571713">'Unacceptable&nbsp;and incompatible': France warns over threats against Georgia's pro-EU president</a>
Tensions in the country have grown in recent months. Georgian Dream has faced criticism for refusing to impose Western sanctions on Russia following its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The party has also distanced itself from its declared goal of joining the EU and NATO, labelling Western allies the &ldquo;global war party.&rdquo;
While the Georgian constitution mentions the country&rsquo;s EU aspirations, the ruling party announced in November that it would not seek EU accession talks until 2028. This decision led to days of protests, during which riot police used tear gas and water cannons on demonstrators.
(With inputs from agencies)

World: A former footballer and far-right politician supported by the pro-Moscow Georgian Dream (GD) party, Mikheil Kavelashvili, was sworn in as president behind closed doors.

Georgia’s pro-Western outgoing president, Salome Zourabichvili, has announced she will vacate the presidential palace but insists she remains the country’s legitimate leader after refusing to hand over the keys to her successor. “I remain the only legitimate president. I will leave the presidential palace and stand with you, carrying with me the legitimacy, the flag and your trust,” Zourabichvili said. She criticised the ongoing parliamentary proceedings, describing them as a “genuine parody” that Georgia does not deserve. Her comments came as thousands of protesters gathered in the capital, Tbilisi, opposing the inauguration of Mikheil Kavelashvili. Closed door swearing-in ceremony for the first time in Georgia's history A former footballer and far-right politician supported by the pro-Moscow Georgian Dream (GD) party, Kavelashvili was sworn in as president during a parliamentary ceremony held behind closed doors. Zourabichvili argued that Kavelashvili’s election was not legitimate, claiming that the parliamentary vote that selected him came from a fraudulent election held in October. She, alongside pro-European Union demonstrators, has called for new elections. Also read: US sanctions ex-Georgia prime minister Ivanishvili for undermining nation's 'future' to benefit Russia However, the Georgian Dream party and the country’s election commission maintain that the October election was free and fair. The party, which controls the parliament, also asserts that Kavelashvili is the rightful president. During his inauguration speech, 53-year-old Kavelashvili praised Georgia’s “traditions, values, national identity, the sanctity of the family, and faith.” He added, “Our history clearly shows that, after countless struggles to defend our homeland and traditions, peace has always been one of the main goals and values for the Georgian people.” Kavelashvili, a former Georgian Dream MP and the sole candidate for the presidency, has faced widespread rejection. Georgia’s four main opposition parties have refused to recognise his presidency and have boycotted parliament. Also read: 'Unacceptable and incompatible': France warns over threats against Georgia's pro-EU president Tensions in the country have grown in recent months. Georgian Dream has faced criticism for refusing to impose Western sanctions on Russia following its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The party has also distanced itself from its declared goal of joining the EU and NATO, labelling Western allies the “global war party.” While the Georgian constitution mentions the country’s EU aspirations, the ruling party announced in November that it would not seek EU accession talks until 2028. This decision led to days of protests, during which riot police used tear gas and water cannons on demonstrators. (With inputs from agencies)

Georgia: Pro-Russia prez sworn in behind closed doors as outgoing leader strikes defiant tone

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Mauritius foreign minister Dhananjay Ritish Ramful who is in India & attended the state funeral of former Indian Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh has described the Indian leader as a "close friend" of his country. Speaking to WION's Sidhant Sibal, Foreign minister Ramful said, Dr Manmohan singh was "very instrumental in helping Mauritius on various projects...taxation treaty". The Mauritius Foreign minister joined Bhutan's King along with top Indian leadership, including President Murmu, PM Narendra Modi at the funeral in Delhi's Nigam Bodh Ghat. On Friday, the Mauritius Prime Minister Dr Navin Ramgoolam paid a visit to the Indian High Commission and paid his honor. The Mauritius govt as a mark of honor for the late Indian PM has said that the country's flags will be flown at half mast.

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Israeli Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-chief-tedros-narrowly-escaped-israeli-attack-on-yemen-airport-8573279" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Benjamin Netanyahu</a> has requested that his court hearings, where he was set to testify this week, be cancelled due to a medical procedure he is scheduled to go through. 
In Netanyahu's absence, Justice Minister Yariv Levin will temporarily serve as acting prime minister, as reported by local media.&nbsp;Defence Minister Israel Katz has been given the authority to convene the security cabinet if necessary.
Netanyahu will undergo prostate surgery under general anaesthesia on Sunday (29 December)&nbsp;and will remain in hospital for several days. As per media reports, the surgery will take place in an underground facility amid concerns of rocket fire.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/five-held-for-protesting-outside-netanyahus-home-8573644" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">'Will not forgive...,' Five held for protesting outside Netanyahu&rsquo;s home as ceasefire talks tank again</a>
The request was submitted to the Jerusalem District Court by his lawyer, Amit Hadad, who said, &ldquo;At this stage, the court is requested to cancel the hearings scheduled for this week.&rdquo; He also added that he will &ldquo;update the court going forward.&rdquo;
&ldquo;The hearing is expected to resume next week, on Monday, January 6,&rdquo; the court said, and wished for Netanyahu&rsquo;s "refuah sheleima," or a speedy recovery. Netanyahu last testified in court on 10 December and has appeared six times so far to answer charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust.
<h2>What are the charges against Netanyahu?</h2>
Netanyahu was first indicted&nbsp;in 2019 on charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust. Netanyahu, who has pleaded not guilty, denies all allegations. The trial against him began in 2020.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-claims-director-of-gazas-kamal-adwan-hospital-a-hamas-terrorist-detains-him-days-after-he-accused-tel-aviv-of-targeting-medical-facility-8574358" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Israel detains director of Gaza's 'last hospital,' accuses him of being a 'Hamas terrorist'</a>
In one case, prosecutors claim Netanyahu gave regulatory benefits worth approximately 1.8 billion shekels (around $500 million) to Bezeq Telecom. In exchange, they claim, he sought favourable coverage for himself and his wife, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/sara-netanyahu-allegedly-harassed-a-witness-in-the-corruption-trial" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Sara</a>, on a news website controlled by Shaul Elovitch, the company&rsquo;s former chairman. This case involves charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust.
Another case accuses Netanyahu and his wife of accepting gifts worth nearly 700,000 shekels (around $210,000) from Arnon Milchan, a Hollywood producer and Israeli citizen, and James Packer, an Australian billionaire. The alleged gifts included luxury items like champagne and cigars, and prosecutors claim Netanyahu provided assistance to Milchan in business matters. 
The third case involves claims that Netanyahu negotiated with Arnon Mozes, the owner of the Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper, for favourable media coverage. In return, Netanyahu allegedly promised to support legislation that would curb the growth of a rival newspaper. 
(With inputs from agencies)

World: Netanyahu was first indicted in 2019 on charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust. The trial began in 2020, even as Netanyahu denies all allegations.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has requested that his court hearings, where he was set to testify this week, be cancelled due to a medical procedure he is scheduled to go through. In Netanyahu's absence, Justice Minister Yariv Levin will temporarily serve as acting prime minister, as reported by local media. Defence Minister Israel Katz has been given the authority to convene the security cabinet if necessary. Netanyahu will undergo prostate surgery under general anaesthesia on Sunday (29 December) and will remain in hospital for several days. As per media reports, the surgery will take place in an underground facility amid concerns of rocket fire. Also read: 'Will not forgive...,' Five held for protesting outside Netanyahu’s home as ceasefire talks tank again The request was submitted to the Jerusalem District Court by his lawyer, Amit Hadad, who said, “At this stage, the court is requested to cancel the hearings scheduled for this week.” He also added that he will “update the court going forward.” “The hearing is expected to resume next week, on Monday, January 6,” the court said, and wished for Netanyahu’s "refuah sheleima," or a speedy recovery. Netanyahu last testified in court on 10 December and has appeared six times so far to answer charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust. What are the charges against Netanyahu? Netanyahu was first indicted in 2019 on charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust. Netanyahu, who has pleaded not guilty, denies all allegations. The trial against him began in 2020. Also read: Israel detains director of Gaza's 'last hospital,' accuses him of being a 'Hamas terrorist' In one case, prosecutors claim Netanyahu gave regulatory benefits worth approximately 1.8 billion shekels (around $500 million) to Bezeq Telecom. In exchange, they claim, he sought favourable coverage for himself and his wife, Sara, on a news website controlled by Shaul Elovitch, the company’s former chairman. This case involves charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust. Another case accuses Netanyahu and his wife of accepting gifts worth nearly 700,000 shekels (around $210,000) from Arnon Milchan, a Hollywood producer and Israeli citizen, and James Packer, an Australian billionaire. The alleged gifts included luxury items like champagne and cigars, and prosecutors claim Netanyahu provided assistance to Milchan in business matters. The third case involves claims that Netanyahu negotiated with Arnon Mozes, the owner of the Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper, for favourable media coverage. In return, Netanyahu allegedly promised to support legislation that would curb the growth of a rival newspaper. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel's Netanyahu to undergo prostate surgery; Justice Minister to serve as acting PM

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South Korea&rsquo;s suspended president, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/over-half-a-million-people-stage-mass-rally-in-south-korea-demanding-removal-of-yoon-suk-yeol-8573806">Yoon Suk Yeol</a>, has&nbsp;once again failed to comply with a summons from law enforcement officials, according to a report by Yonhap news agency on Sunday (December 29). 
This is the third time he has ignored summons. He had previously ignored summons on December 18 and December 25 without providing any explanation for his absence.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-korea-plane-carrying-181-people-crashes-at-muan-airport-plane-crash-people-killed-23-dead-or-injured-8574368">South Korea plane tragedy: Death toll rises to 179; crash site declared special disaster zone</a>
The Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) had ordered Yoon to appear for questioning at 10 am (GMT 0100) on Sunday. However, the 63-year-old president refused to come.
In a statement, the CIO confirmed, &ldquo;President Yoon Suk Yeol did not appear at the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) at 10 am today.&rdquo; The office further added, &ldquo;The Joint Investigation Headquarters will review and decide on future measures.&rdquo;
The CIO is now considering its next steps, which may include issuing another summons or seeking an arrest warrant from the court to compel Yoon&rsquo;s appearance.
<h2>Why is Yoon Suk Yeol under investigation?</h2>
The investigation was triggered by Yoon&rsquo;s sudden declaration of martial law on 3 December, which was lifted only a few hours later. The conservative leader was stripped of his presidential duties by parliament on 14 December. The Constitutional Court is currently reviewing the impeachment vote.
The court has six months to issue its ruling. Should the impeachment be upheld, a by-election must be held within 60 days to elect a new president.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-korea-plane-crash-passengers-heartbreaking-text-minutes-before-crash-8575604">'My last words,&rsquo; Passenger&rsquo;s heartbreaking text just before S Korea plane crash</a>
In Yoon&rsquo;s absence, state affairs are being managed by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/meet-choi-sang-mok-south-koreas-new-acting-president-who-vowed-to-overcome-political-turmoil-8570988">Choi Sang-mok</a>, the vice premier and finance minister, who is acting as president. This comes from the recent impeachment of Prime Minister and acting President Han Duck-soo by parliament.
Han was removed from office on Friday after refusing to appoint three judges to the Constitutional Court.
Yoon is also facing criminal charges of insurrection, which, if proven, may lead to life imprisonment or the death penalty.
(With inputs from agencies)

World: The investigation was triggered by Yoon’s sudden declaration of martial law on December 3, which was lifted later. He was impeached by parliament on December 14.

South Korea’s suspended president, Yoon Suk Yeol, has once again failed to comply with a summons from law enforcement officials, according to a report by Yonhap news agency on Sunday (December 29). This is the third time he has ignored summons. He had previously ignored summons on December 18 and December 25 without providing any explanation for his absence. Also read: South Korea plane tragedy: Death toll rises to 179; crash site declared special disaster zone The Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) had ordered Yoon to appear for questioning at 10 am (GMT 0100) on Sunday. However, the 63-year-old president refused to come. In a statement, the CIO confirmed, “President Yoon Suk Yeol did not appear at the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) at 10 am today.” The office further added, “The Joint Investigation Headquarters will review and decide on future measures.” The CIO is now considering its next steps, which may include issuing another summons or seeking an arrest warrant from the court to compel Yoon’s appearance. Why is Yoon Suk Yeol under investigation? The investigation was triggered by Yoon’s sudden declaration of martial law on 3 December, which was lifted only a few hours later. The conservative leader was stripped of his presidential duties by parliament on 14 December. The Constitutional Court is currently reviewing the impeachment vote. The court has six months to issue its ruling. Should the impeachment be upheld, a by-election must be held within 60 days to elect a new president. Also read: 'My last words,’ Passenger’s heartbreaking text just before S Korea plane crash In Yoon’s absence, state affairs are being managed by Choi Sang-mok, the vice premier and finance minister, who is acting as president. This comes from the recent impeachment of Prime Minister and acting President Han Duck-soo by parliament. Han was removed from office on Friday after refusing to appoint three judges to the Constitutional Court. Yoon is also facing criminal charges of insurrection, which, if proven, may lead to life imprisonment or the death penalty. (With inputs from agencies)

South Korea: Suspended president Yoon Suk Yeol ignores another summons in martial law probe

In South Korea, a plane carrying 181 people crashed at Muan airport in the country's southwest on Sunday (Dec 29), reported Yonhap news agency.
The Jeju Airlines plane was carrying "175 passengers, 6 crew members aboard" when it crashed at Muan airport, said the report.
According to news agencies, authorities have confirmed that 179 people have died in the crash. Meanwhile, only two people have been pulled alive from the plane debris. Officials had earlier warned that there was little chance of many of the 181 people on board having survived.
Jeju Airlines has issued an apology. In a statement, the airline said, "We at Jeju Air will do everything in our power in response to this accident. We sincerely apologise for causing concern."
South Korea&rsquo;s acting President Choi Sang-mok said the crash site has been declared a special disaster zone.
&ldquo;The government would like to offer its sincere condolences to the bereaved families and will do its best to recover from this accident and prevent a recurrence,&rdquo; Choi said.
Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/volodymyr-zelensky-calls-for-thorough-investigation-into-azerbaijan-airlines-plane-crash-amid-reports-of-russian-involvement-8572078" aria-label="Zelensky calls for 'thorough investigation' into Azerbaijan plane crash amid reports of Russian involvement">Zelensky calls for 'thorough investigation' into Azerbaijan plane crash amid reports of Russian involvement</a>
South Korea's national fire agency, in a statement, said, "Currently two have been rescued, one passenger and one flight attendant." It also said that 32 fire trucks and scores of firefighters had been deployed to the crash site at Muan airport for the rescue operation.&nbsp;
A dramatic video of the crash is being widely shared on social media platforms, including X. Viewer discretion is advised.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">
BREAKING: New video shows moment Boeing 737-800 plane carrying 181 people onboard crashes at Muan International Airport in South Korea. <a href="https://t.co/konxWBpnWy">pic.twitter.com/konxWBpnWy</a>
&mdash; AZ Intel (@AZ_Intel_) <a href="https://twitter.com/AZ_Intel_/status/1873174325970518084?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 29, 2024</a></blockquote>

<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>What happened?</h2>
The flight was travelling from Thailand when it crashed. This is believed to have been caused by "contact with birds, resulting in malfunctioning landing gear" as the plane attempted to land at the airport in the country's southwest, reported the South Korean news agency.
Rescue authorities tried to evacuate passengers from the rear section of the jet, Yonhap said, citing the fire department.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/azerbaijan-plane-crash-putin-apologises-for-tragic-incident-says-were-repelling-ukrainian-attacks-8573809" aria-label="Azerbaijan plane crash: Putin dials Azeri Prez to apologise for 'tragic incident' that killed 38">Azerbaijan plane crash: Putin dials Azeri Prez to apologise for 'tragic incident' that killed 38</a>
Visuals of the crash show the jet engulfed in flames on what appeared to be the side of the runway, with firefighters and emergency vehicles nearby.
Acting President Choi Sung-mok, who was named interim leader of the country on Friday after the previous acting president was impeached amid an ongoing political crisis, ordered all-out rescue efforts, his office said. A Jeju Air spokesperson said the airline was checking the reports.
Boeing has extended help to Jeju. In a post on X, the airline said, "We are in contact with Jeju Air regarding flight 2216 and stand ready to support them."
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m59amou6-82fxj1c0-1kup78c0">
<a href="https://t.co/TIrIUBw4RB">pic.twitter.com/TIrIUBw4RB</a>
&mdash; The Boeing Company (@Boeing) <a href="https://twitter.com/Boeing/status/1873240531771285768?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 29, 2024</a></blockquote>
"We extend our deepest condolences to the families who lost loved ones, and our thoughts remain with the passengers and crew," it added.
(With inputs from agencies)

Tragic plane crash in South Korea's Muan Airport. Authorities say 179 confirmed dead and rescue operation is still underway. The plane was carrying 175 passengers and six crew members.

In South Korea, a plane carrying 181 people crashed at Muan airport in the country's southwest on Sunday (Dec 29), reported Yonhap news agency. The Jeju Airlines plane was carrying "175 passengers, 6 crew members aboard" when it crashed at Muan airport, said the report. According to news agencies, authorities have confirmed that 179 people have died in the crash. Meanwhile, only two people have been pulled alive from the plane debris. Officials had earlier warned that there was little chance of many of the 181 people on board having survived. Jeju Airlines has issued an apology. In a statement, the airline said, "We at Jeju Air will do everything in our power in response to this accident. We sincerely apologise for causing concern." South Korea’s acting President Choi Sang-mok said the crash site has been declared a special disaster zone. “The government would like to offer its sincere condolences to the bereaved families and will do its best to recover from this accident and prevent a recurrence,” Choi said. Also read | Zelensky calls for 'thorough investigation' into Azerbaijan plane crash amid reports of Russian involvement South Korea's national fire agency, in a statement, said, "Currently two have been rescued, one passenger and one flight attendant." It also said that 32 fire trucks and scores of firefighters had been deployed to the crash site at Muan airport for the rescue operation. A dramatic video of the crash is being widely shared on social media platforms, including X. Viewer discretion is advised. BREAKING: New video shows moment Boeing 737-800 plane carrying 181 people onboard crashes at Muan International Airport in South Korea. pic.twitter.com/konxWBpnWy — AZ Intel (@AZ_Intel_) December 29, 2024 What happened? The flight was travelling from Thailand when it crashed. This is believed to have been caused by "contact with birds, resulting in malfunctioning landing gear" as the plane attempted to land at the airport in the country's southwest, reported the South Korean news agency. Rescue authorities tried to evacuate passengers from the rear section of the jet, Yonhap said, citing the fire department. Also read | Azerbaijan plane crash: Putin dials Azeri Prez to apologise for 'tragic incident' that killed 38 Visuals of the crash show the jet engulfed in flames on what appeared to be the side of the runway, with firefighters and emergency vehicles nearby. Acting President Choi Sung-mok, who was named interim leader of the country on Friday after the previous acting president was impeached amid an ongoing political crisis, ordered all-out rescue efforts, his office said. A Jeju Air spokesperson said the airline was checking the reports. Boeing has extended help to Jeju. In a post on X, the airline said, "We are in contact with Jeju Air regarding flight 2216 and stand ready to support them." pic.twitter.com/TIrIUBw4RB — The Boeing Company (@Boeing) December 29, 2024 "We extend our deepest condolences to the families who lost loved ones, and our thoughts remain with the passengers and crew," it added. (With inputs from agencies)

South Korea plane tragedy: Death toll rises to 179; crash site declared special disaster zone

Pakistan's Defence Minister has criticized Imran Khan for allegedly seeking foreign assistance to influence domestic politics. The remarks come amid rising tensions between the government and the former prime minister.

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Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev in a statement Sunday (Dec 29) blamed &lsquo;shooting&rsquo; from Russia for the tragic plane crash that killed 38 people on December 25. The plane was reportedly hit in Russian space, causing it to go down in Kazakhstan.
Aliyev added he regretted that "some circles" in Russia were trying to hide the truth, hinting that some tried to stir confusion by sowing false narratives.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-korea-plane-carrying-181-people-crashes-at-muan-airport-plane-crash-people-killed-23-dead-or-injured-8574368">South Korea plane tragedy: Death toll rises to 179; crash site declared special disaster zone</a>
Russian President Vladimir Putin Saturday had diled Aliyev and tendered an apology for the incident. However, he stopped short of saying Russian forces were at fault. Putin said the accident happened when Russian air defences were fired against a Ukrainian drone attack.
&ldquo;The Azerbaijani passenger aircraft, which was travelling according to its schedule, repeatedly tried to land at Grozny airport. At that time, Grozny, Mozdok and Vladikavkaz were being attacked by Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles, and Russian air defense systems repelled these attacks,&rdquo; the Kremlin said.
This was the first time that the Kremlin responded to the crash, something that officials in Ukraine and the US had already attributed to Moscow.
Aliyev in his televised address said Baku demands Moscow's "acknowledgement of guilt, punishment of the guilty and payment of compensation."
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-korea-suspended-president-yoon-suk-yeol-ignores-another-summons-in-martial-law-probe-8575698">South Korea: Suspended president Yoon Suk Yeol ignores another summons in martial law probe</a>
However, the Azeri president noted that Russia had not taken down the plane on purpose as it was a "friendly country."
"Of course, our plane was shot down not on purpose. To admit guilt, to apologise in time to Azerbaijan, which is considered a friendly country, and to bring this to the public - all these were measures and steps that had to be taken," the head of state said.
(With inputs from agencies)

World | Azerbaijan president added he regretted that "some circles" in Russia were trying to hide the truth, hinting that some tried to stir confusion by sowing false narratives.

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev in a statement Sunday (Dec 29) blamed ‘shooting’ from Russia for the tragic plane crash that killed 38 people on December 25. The plane was reportedly hit in Russian space, causing it to go down in Kazakhstan. Aliyev added he regretted that "some circles" in Russia were trying to hide the truth, hinting that some tried to stir confusion by sowing false narratives. Also read: South Korea plane tragedy: Death toll rises to 179; crash site declared special disaster zone Russian President Vladimir Putin Saturday had diled Aliyev and tendered an apology for the incident. However, he stopped short of saying Russian forces were at fault. Putin said the accident happened when Russian air defences were fired against a Ukrainian drone attack. “The Azerbaijani passenger aircraft, which was travelling according to its schedule, repeatedly tried to land at Grozny airport. At that time, Grozny, Mozdok and Vladikavkaz were being attacked by Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles, and Russian air defense systems repelled these attacks,” the Kremlin said. This was the first time that the Kremlin responded to the crash, something that officials in Ukraine and the US had already attributed to Moscow. Aliyev in his televised address said Baku demands Moscow's "acknowledgement of guilt, punishment of the guilty and payment of compensation." Also read: South Korea: Suspended president Yoon Suk Yeol ignores another summons in martial law probe However, the Azeri president noted that Russia had not taken down the plane on purpose as it was a "friendly country." "Of course, our plane was shot down not on purpose. To admit guilt, to apologise in time to Azerbaijan, which is considered a friendly country, and to bring this to the public - all these were measures and steps that had to be taken," the head of state said. (With inputs from agencies)

Azerbaijan president confirms plane crash caused by Russian shooting, regrets ‘false narrative’

An Azerbaijan Airlines passenger jet crashed on Wednesday in western Kazakhstan, killing 38 of the 67 people on board. Watch this report for more details!

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Family members of hostages held by the Palestinian militant group Hamas lit Hanukkah candles in Tel Aviv on Saturday, December 28, during their weekly protest, urging a ceasefire deal to secure the return of their loved ones.

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For the first time since 1971, Pakistan Army will train Bangladesh Army starting February 2025 in Mymensingh cantonment and other locations.  Watch to know more.

Bangladesh, Pakistan boost ties

Bangladesh considering lowering voting age to 17

President Joe Biden has expressed regret over not pursuing re-election, believing he could have defeated Donald Trump. His comments have sparked speculation about his political future and the 2024 election race.

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Donald Trump has expressed support for Elon Musk's stance on the H1-B visa program, advocating for changes to attract top global talent. The two have highlighted the importance of reforming immigration policies to benefit the U.S. economy.

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