Russia’s top economic envoy to visit Washington as Trump-Putin diplomacy accelerates
A senior Russian official is expected to arrive in Washington this week for direct talks with the Trump administration, a source familiar with the plan confirmed.
President-elect Donald Trump has sparked international controversy by refusing to rule out military or economic measures to secure control of Greenland and the Panama Canal, which he claims are crucial to U.S. national security.
In a recent press conference, President-elect Donald Trump made bold claims about the strategic importance of the Panama Canal and Greenland to U.S. economic and national security. Trump did not rule out the use of military or economic force to secure control over these territories, which he described as vital for the nation’s interests.
Trump emphasized the significance of Greenland for national security, stating, “We need Greenland for national security purposes. I’ve been told that for a long time, long before I even ran. People have been talking about it for a long time.” He also questioned Denmark’s legal claim over Greenland, stating, “People really don’t even know if Denmark has any legal right to it. But if they do, they should give it up because we need it for national security.”
Regarding the Panama Canal, Trump criticized the current situation, stating, “The Panama Canal is vital to our country. It's being operated by China. China. And we gave the Panama Canal to Panama. We didn’t give it to China. And they’ve abused it. It should have never been made by the way. Giving the Panama Canal is why Jimmy Carter lost the election, in my opinion, more so maybe than the hostages.”
Trump also reiterated his desire to make Canada a U.S. state, criticizing the U.S.'s economic relations with Canada and the military support given to the country. He proposed that Canada should join the U.S. for economic and national security reasons, saying, “We basically protect Canada. We don’t need anything they have. We don’t need their dairy products, we have more than they have. We don’t need anything, so why are we losing $200 billion a year and more to protect Canada?”
On defense, Trump called for NATO members to increase their defense spending target to 5% of GDP, criticizing allies for not meeting current commitments. He argued that countries should contribute more to military defense to maintain their security.
These statements come as Trump prepares to take office on January 20th, 2025, and highlight his bold foreign policy ideas as he gets ready to govern the United States.
Aid groups in Myanmar’s worst-hit areas urgently need shelter, food, and water after a devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake killed over 2,700 people. Rescue efforts face challenges due to ongoing civil war, damaged infrastructure, and restricted aid access, with the toll expected to rise.
Russian forces carried out a drone attack on Ukraine’s second-largest city, Kharkiv, late Wednesday, injuring at least twenty one people and causing structural damage, according to Ukrainian officials.
French far-right leader Marine Le Pen was banned from running for public office for five years after being convicted of embezzlement, ruling her out of the 2027 presidential race. She received a four-year prison sentence, with two years suspended, and a €100,000 fine. Le Pen plans to appeal.
Apple marked its 49th anniversary by reaching a market capitalization of $3.3 trillion. Despite recent tech stock volatility, Apple's shares surged 28% in 2024.
The Armenian armed forces attempted three reconnaissance drone flights over Azerbaijan Army positions near Gerenzur, but all were successfully intercepted. Meanwhile, Armenian units repeatedly fired on Azerbaijani positions from multiple regions, escalating tensions in the area.
Russian billionaire Vadim Moshkovich, founder of Rusagro, faces charges of embezzling 30 billion roubles ($357 million). His arrest is among the most high-profile in Russia’s business world in recent years.
India's government has introduced a bill proposing sweeping reforms in the management of waqf properties, allowing non-Muslim members on waqf boards and enabling the state to determine disputed land ownership, sparking concerns among Muslim groups and opposition lawmakers.
Greece plans to invest €25 billion in a sweeping multi-year defence strategy, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis told parliament on Wednesday, marking a major step in modernising the country’s armed forces and reinforcing its strategic posture amid regional tensions and global uncertainty.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov met with Vietnamese Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son in Hanoi on Wednesday, as both nations looked to deepen their strategic partnership and navigate rising global tensions through renewed diplomatic and economic cooperation.
Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti is set to appear in court on Wednesday over allegations of failing to pay €1 million in taxes on image rights earnings during his first tenure at the club. Prosecutors seek a prison sentence of nearly five years and a €3.2 million fine.
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