President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine has announced new sanctions aimed at Russia's "shadow" oil tanker fleet, which is used to transport goods banned under Western sanctions. Despite a history of strained relations, the move comes as the Ukrainian government actively targets Russian assets and individuals who support the country's actions in the ongoing conflict. The sanctions are part of a larger effort to increase pressure on Russia and hold them accountable for their role in the war.
In a recent call between incoming US President Trump and Ukrainian leader Zelenskyy, billionaire Elon Musk was also present on the line. Musk, who has been mentioned as a potential member of Trump's administration, was thanked by Zelenskyy for his assistance in providing access to the Starlink satellite internet platform. This raises questions about potential conflicts of interest, especially since SpaceX has lucrative government contracts. The call is being closely watched as Trump signals a shift in the US's involvement with Ukraine, and as Biden's administration has sent significant military and economic aid to the country.
The German government is on the brink of collapse after Chancellor Olaf Scholz fired Finance Minister Christian Lindner due to a lack of trust and conflicting interests. Scholz announced plans to call for a vote of confidence in his government, citing tensions within the current "traffic light" coalition. With the government now lacking a majority in parliament, Scholz intends to work with opposition leader Friedrich Merz on addressing economic and defense issues before potential elections in March. The internal turmoil comes at a critical time as Germany grapples with economic challenges and the aftermath of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
In a controversial move, a Russian court has slapped Google with a fine of $2.5 decillion, a figure higher than the world's total GDP, for refusing to restore accounts of pro-government and state-run media outlets. The fine, which started at 100,000 rubles per day and exponentially increased, was imposed after Google blocked these media outlets' YouTube channels for supporting Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The parent company Alphabet, with a revenue of over $307 billion, is unlikely to ever pay this exorbitant fine.
Germany's Minister of Defense is seeking approval for the purchase of 600 advanced versions of the Taurus missiles, which could potentially be used to strike high-value targets in enemy territory. The estimated cost of the purchase is $2.3 billion, with deliveries expected to begin in 2029. The missiles would be capable of penetrating air defenses and have a dual-stage warhead for maximum destruction. This move by Germany could escalate tensions on the global stage, with potential concerns over the use of the missiles and further strain on diplomatic relations.
Amid speculation that North Korea is sending troops to fight alongside Russian forces in Ukraine, Russia's lower house of parliament voted to ratify a treaty with North Korea that would provide mutual assistance in the case of aggression from an outside force. The move has raised concerns in South Korea, with its spy agency claiming that thousands of North Korean soldiers are currently training in Russia and are likely to be deployed to the front lines in Ukraine soon. This development comes as Western countries accuse North Korea of supplying weapons to Russia for its offensive in Ukraine.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz's recent remarks come as a boost for India's efforts towards achieving a peaceful resolution in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Scholz praised India's reliable relations with all stakeholders and urged for a ceasefire in the region. His statement also comes in the light of appreciation from other world leaders, such as Russian President Vladimir Putin and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, for India's support in addressing the conflict.
In a press conference in Rome, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin stated that there is evidence of North Korean troops in Russia, known as the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. This comes after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy cited intelligence suggesting the presence of up to 12,000 North Korean troops in Russia, who would support Russian forces in the ongoing conflict with Ukraine. South Korean lawmakers have also reported that North Korea has recently sent 3,000 troops to Russia, doubling previous estimates. This revelation raises concerns about the potential involvement of North Korea in the Ukraine crisis and adds further tension to the already volatile situation.
In a concerning move, 12,000 North Korean soldiers are set to arrive in the Kursk region of Russia today to support Vladimir Putin's forces. The region has been partially occupied by Ukrainian forces since August, and the arrival of these troops has raised tensions even higher. Ukraine's military intelligence has confirmed the deployment, but the exact number of troops and their weapons is still unknown. President Volodymyr Zelensky has called on allies to take action against this move, stating that it is not just a war in Europe, but an invasion that must be stopped.
As tensions rise between North Korea and Ukraine, South Korea vows to take action in response to the deployment of North Korean troops to Russia. In addition to potential advisors and heavy weapons being sent to Ukraine, there are also reports of fighter pilots being sent to Russia. This military cooperation between North Korea and Russia is seen as a violation of U.N. Security Council resolutions and poses a significant security threat to the international community. As the situation develops, South Korea is prepared to take "phased measures" in response to their military ties.