United News of Bangladesh

Russia launched one of its largest aerial assaults on Ukraine on Friday, firing 93 cruise and ballistic missiles along with nearly 200 drones, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. This attack targeted the country’s energy infrastructure and is considered one of the heaviest since Russia’s full-scale invasion nearly three years ago. Ukrainian air defenses successfully intercepted 81 missiles, including 11 cruise missiles downed by F-16 fighter jets provided by Western allies earlier this year, Zelenskyy reported. Despite these defenses, the assault still caused significant damage, particularly to Ukraine’s energy sector. In a message on his Telegram channel, Zelenskyy accused Russia of “terrorizing millions of people” and called for a strong international response. "A massive strike – a massive reaction. This is the only way to stop terror," he urged, emphasizing the need for global unity against Russian President Vladimir Putin’s actions. As the war continues, there is growing uncertainty over the future, especially with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump set to take office next month. Trump has pledged to end the war and cast doubt on the continuation of U.S. military support for Ukraine. In response to the attack, the Russian Ministry of Defense stated that the missile and drone strikes targeted "critically important fuel and energy facilities" in Ukraine, which are crucial for its military-industrial complex. Russia framed the assault as retaliation for a Ukrainian strike earlier in the week using U.S.-supplied Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMs) on a Russian airbase. Read: US warns Russia may use new lethal missile against Ukraine soon Trump has expressed opposition to allowing Ukraine to strike Russian territory using U.S. weapons, a position that Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov noted aligns with Russia’s stance. Peskov said, "We have a shared vision of the causes of escalation," acknowledging that Trump understands what exacerbates the conflict. The U.S. Embassy in Kyiv confirmed that Friday's attack also targeted transportation networks and other vital infrastructure. Ukrainian energy company DTEK, the country’s largest private energy provider, reported that its thermal power plants had been "seriously damaged" in the strike. Russia has consistently targeted Ukraine’s power grid, seeking to cripple its electricity supply and disrupt both civilian life and Ukraine's defense production capabilities. Ukrainian Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko assured the public that energy workers were taking all necessary measures to mitigate the damage, promising to provide more information once the security situation allowed. The Ukrainian Air Force reported multiple drone strikes overnight, followed by a wave of cruise missile attacks across the country’s airspace. Additionally, Russia employed air-launched Kinzhal ballistic missiles in Ukraine’s western regions. This attack mirrors a similar massive strike on November 28, which also involved over 200 missiles and drones, leaving more than a million households without power until emergency teams could restore the electricity. Ukrainian officials have warned that Russia is stockpiling additional missiles and drones for future strikes. Read more: EU may suspend asylum for migrants 'weaponized' by Russia, Belarus On November 21, Russia used its first-ever intermediate-range hypersonic missile, the Oreshnik, to target an industrial facility in Dnipro, eastern Ukraine. Putin had threatened more such attacks in response to Ukrainian strikes on Russian territory using Western-supplied long-range weapons. There were no reports of the Oreshnik missile being used in Friday’s assault, but U.S. officials have warned that it could be deployed in the near future. Half of Ukraine’s energy infrastructure has already been destroyed during the conflict, and widespread electricity blackouts are a common occurrence. While Kyiv’s Western allies have provided advanced air defense systems to help protect critical infrastructure, Russia continues to overwhelm Ukraine’s defenses with large-scale "swarm" attacks, launching numerous missiles and drones in a single strike. In the broader military context, Russia has maintained the initiative this year, making slow but steady progress in its eastern offensives, steadily pushing through Ukrainian defenses.

The European Union on Wednesday gave a greenlight to Poland and other countries on Europe’s eastern flank to temporarily suspend asylum rights when they believe that Belarus and Russia are “weaponizing” migrants to destabilize the bloc. Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced plans in October to introduce a law that would suspend asylum applications for up to 60 days as his country struggles with migratory pressures on its border with Belarus, angering human rights groups. The freeze has not yet been enacted. The number of migrants arriving at the borders of EU member states from Belarus has increased by 66% this year, compared with 2023. Belarus authorities are accused of helping migrants to get into Europe, including by supplying them with ladders and other devices, according to the European Commission. The EU’s executive branch also accuses Russian authorities of “facilitating these movements, given that more than 90% of migrants illegally crossing the Polish-Belarusian border have a Russian student or tourist visa.” It said that “in view of the serious nature of the threat, as well as its persistence,” EU member countries can temporarily suspend a migrant’s request for international protection in exceptional circumstances. Some migrants are accused of attacking border guards. The commission monitors EU laws to ensure that they are respected. The right for people to seek asylum when they fear for their lives or safety in their home countries is encoded in the bloc’s legislation and international law. European Commission Executive Vice-President Henna Virkkunen said a freeze on asylum rights should only be used “when the weaponization is posing security threats for member states and exceptional measures are needed.” New Indian central bank governor takes over amid economic challenges Member states would be permitted to restrict a migrant’s access to asylum rights, but only under “very strict conditions and (with)in legal limits," she said. "So it means that they have to be truly exceptional, temporary, proportionate and for clearly defined cases.” Virkkunen, who declined to provide details, said the commission is providing 170 million euros ($179 million) to Poland, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and non-EU country Norway to boost their border defenses, including upgrading electronic surveillance equipment, installing mobile detectors, improving telecommunication networks, and countering drones that might be sent into EU airspace.  

The Princess of Wales took another step Friday in her return to public life following cancer treatment, in hosting her annual Christmas carol service at Westminster Abbey. Dressed in a festive red coat featuring a large black bow on the collar and black buttons, the princess, often referred to simply as Kate, arrived with her husband Prince William and their three children. Kate, the Princess of Wales, makes first public appearance after cancer treatment They were met by clergy in front of a row of Christmas trees decorated with glittering white lights. Inside the abbey, Kate chatted with members of the congregation and performers, including Gregory Porter. This year’s concert is designed to celebrate the support people give to one another, especially as they struggle through difficult times, a theme that may have particular resonance for the princess after abdominal surgery and chemotherapy forced her to step back from public duties for much of 2024. Kate, the Princess of Wales, has finished chemotherapy and will return to limited public duties Kate alluded to this in a letter thanking the 1,600 people invited to attend the event because of their efforts to help others in their communities. “The Christmas story encourages us to consider the experiences and feelings of others,” Kate wrote. “It also reflects our own vulnerabilities and reminds us of the importance of giving and receiving empathy, as well as just how much we need each other in spite of our differences.” Kate has hosted the carol service since it began in 2021, celebrating the work of doctors, nurses and emergency workers as Britain returned to normal following the COVID-19 pandemic. The princess wowed the audience, playing the piano to accompany Scottish singer Tom Walker on his song “For Those Who Can’t Be Here,” inspired by the loss and separation caused by the pandemic. The order of service Friday will also feature a cover image by British artist Charlie Mackesy, who wrote and illustrated “The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse.’’ The 2019 book highlighted the importance of kindness through the unlikely friendship of the four title characters as they search for the boy’s home. Read the transcript of Kate's video announcement about her cancer treatment Kate and her husband have been open about the challenges they faced this year as both the princess and King Charles III were diagnosed with cancer. The princess has made only a few public appearances since she underwent abdominal surgery in February and then announced she was undergoing treatment for cancer a few weeks later. Her first post-chemotherapy appearances were geared toward moments of national significance, such as the king’s birthday parade and the annual Remembrance Day ceremonies to honor the nation’s war dead. But earlier this week she helped greet the emir of Qatar during his state visit to Britain, and now she’s returning to her signature event. Charles was sidelined after revealing in February that he was suffering from an undisclosed form of cancer. But while he began returning to public duties at the end of April, Kate needed more time. The carol service will feature performances by singers Porter and Paloma Faith. Prince William, actors Richard E. Grant, Michelle Dockery and Sophie Okonedo, as well as Olympic swimming champion Adam Peaty will give readings linked to the theme of love and empathy. The event will be taped for broadcast on Christmas Eve by the British channel ITV1 and its streaming service ITVX.

French President Emmanuel Macron has vowed to serve out his term until 2027 and announced plans to appoint a new prime minister within days to address the political impasse caused by the ousting of former Prime Minister Michel Barnier. The resignation of Barnier, following a historic no-confidence vote over budget disputes in the National Assembly, left France without a functioning government. Macron, addressing the crisis, blamed the far-right opposition for orchestrating the downfall, accusing them of choosing “disorder.” “The far right and far left have joined forces in an anti-Republican front,” Macron said. “I will not shoulder the irresponsibility of others.” While he refrained from naming a successor for Barnier, Macron promised swift action to restore stability, emphasizing that the next prime minister must form a “government of general interest.” Acknowledging Responsibility Amid Chaos Macron admitted to his own role in the political turmoil, citing his June decision to dissolve parliament. This move led to legislative elections that produced a hung parliament, with three minority blocs unable to secure a majority. “I recognize that this decision was criticized and not fully understood,” he said. “But I believe it was necessary to let the voters express their will.” Budget Priorities and Avoiding Shutdown The immediate task for Macron's new government will be addressing France’s budget crisis. He confirmed plans to introduce a special law by mid-December to prevent a shutdown and ensure tax collection for 2024 based on existing rules. The government will also focus on passing the 2025 budget to invest in military, justice, and police services while supporting struggling farmers. Rising Challenges and Economic Pressure Macron highlighted France’s mounting challenges, including international crises like the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East and domestic economic struggles, particularly ballooning debt levels. Moody’s warned that the political instability could worsen the country’s financial outlook, with interest rates potentially rising and debt levels projected to hit 7% of GDP next year. Read: Macron to address France after no-confidence vote ousts govt The president urged the nation to take inspiration from recent achievements, such as hosting the Paris Olympics and the upcoming reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral, as symbols of resilience. Opposition and Calls for Resignation The no-confidence vote has emboldened opposition leaders, with some calling for Macron’s resignation. Manuel Bompard, leader of the far-left France Unbowed party, stated that “stability requires the departure of the President of the Republic.” Marine Le Pen, leader of the far-right National Rally, stopped short of demanding Macron’s resignation but warned of increasing pressure on the president. Despite the political turmoil, the French constitution does not require a president to step down after a government collapse, nor does it allow for new legislative elections before July, leaving policymakers in a precarious position. Public Unrest and Teachers’ Protests Amid the crisis, teachers protesting education budget cuts voiced frustration with Macron’s leadership. Demonstrators in Paris linked their demands to the broader political instability, with banners calling for Macron’s resignation. “Macron is dismantling public services like schools,” said Dylan Quenon, a middle school teacher. “The only way to change this is to remove him.” Read more: For the first time Macron recognizes 1944 Thiaroye killings as massacre Although some protesters welcomed Barnier’s ousting, others expressed concerns about the uncertainty ahead. “This government’s fall could lead to something even worse,” said Élise De La Gorce, a teacher from Stains. As Macron works to name a new prime minister and restore order, the stakes remain high, with economic and political stability hanging in the balance. Source: With inputs from agencies

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov sparred indirectly over the Ukraine conflict at a high-profile security meeting in Malta. Lavrov criticized Western policies and warned of escalating tensions, while Blinken countered by attributing the regional crisis to Russia’s actions. During the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) ministerial meeting, Lavrov accused the West of reigniting Cold War dynamics and provoking a direct confrontation with Russia. Labeling NATO’s resurgence as a ploy following the "Afghan disgrace," Lavrov asserted, “The result is the reincarnation of the Cold War, now with a far greater risk of escalation into a hot phase.” Lavrov, attending his first event in an EU nation since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, left the venue after delivering his remarks, avoiding responses from other leaders. Blinken, speaking after Lavrov's departure, highlighted Russia’s role in heightening tensions. “Let’s talk about escalation,” Blinken said, pointing to Russia’s deployment of North Korean forces in Europe, missile attacks on Ukraine, threats involving nuclear weapons, and assaults on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. Citing Lavrov's remarks on sovereignty, Blinken emphasized, “This is about the sovereign right of Ukraine and its people to make their own choices, not to have those choices dictated by Moscow.” Read: Blinken heads to last G7 meeting of Biden presidency with Ukraine and Mideast topping the agenda The meeting also saw a dramatic walkout by Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, joined by his Polish and Estonian counterparts, as Lavrov took the podium. Before leaving, Sybiha labeled Lavrov a “war criminal,” asserting, “Ukraine will prevail, and justice will be served.” This gathering marked Lavrov’s rare appearance in an EU country since the invasion began. While he has attended events such as the United Nations General Assembly and the G20 summit in Brazil, he has largely avoided Western-dominated forums. The visit faced controversy, with Malta revoking a visa for Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova, citing objections from three OSCE member states. Although Lavrov is under EU sanctions, he faces no travel ban, unlike Zakharova. Meanwhile, press freedom group Reporters Without Borders called on the OSCE to demand the release of 38 journalists detained by Russia, including 19 Ukrainians from occupied territories. The organization described Russia as the world’s fifth-largest jailer of journalists. Read more: Blinken arrives in Israel as US looks to renew cease-fire efforts after the killing of Hamas leader Blinken’s presence at the Malta meeting followed his participation in NATO talks in Brussels, likely his last as part of the Biden administration. Ukraine, which had boycotted last year’s OSCE event due to Lavrov’s participation, returned to the table this year. Source: With inputs from agencies

Muhammad has emerged as the most popular name for baby boys in England and Wales in 2023, with over 4,600 babies registered under the name, according to data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), as reported by the BBC. This marks a significant milestone, as the name has been in the top 10 since 2016 but has now overtaken Noah, the previous favorite. Other spellings of the name, including Mohammed and Mohammad, also ranked within the top 100. The ONS treats these variations as distinct names, each contributing to the broader popularity of Muhammad over the years. For girls, Olivia continues its reign as the most popular name, followed by Amelia and Isla, unchanged from 2022. Hyphenated names have seen a surge, with over 19,140 instances recorded in 2023, up significantly from around 12,330 the previous year. New entries to the top 100 include Lilah, Raya, and Hazel for girls, and Jax, Enzo, and Bodhi for boys. The ONS highlighted the role of pop culture in shaping naming trends, pointing to influences such as singers Billie Eilish, Lana Del Rey, and music icons Miley Cyrus, Kendrick Lamar, and Elton John. The rise of names like Miley, Rihanna, and Elton coincided with high-profile album releases and tours in 2023. Television also played a role, with names like Wednesday gaining popularity, likely inspired by Netflix's Wednesday, released in late 2022. Seasonal names also trended, with Summer climbing to 86th place and Autumn ranking 96th. Royal names saw a decline in 2023, continuing a downward trend from recent years. Names like George, Archie, Harry, Charlotte, Elizabeth, and Charles became less popular compared to previous years. The ONS noted that changing cultural and media influences continue to shape naming preferences in the UK. The data for 2023 provides a snapshot of these evolving trends, with the list of 2024's most popular names yet to be announced.

French President Emmanuel Macron will deliver a national address on Thursday, following a historic no-confidence vote in the National Assembly that ousted Prime Minister Michel Barnier and left France without a functioning government, reports AP. Macron is expected to focus on addressing the political crisis and may announce a new prime minister to lead the fractured parliament. Barnier, whose tenure lasted just three months—the shortest of any modern French prime minister—resigned Thursday morning at the Elysée Palace, as required by the constitution. The no-confidence motion passed with 331 votes in the National Assembly. For the first time Macron recognizes 1944 Thiaroye killings as massacre Urgency to Act Macron now faces the challenge of appointing a leader capable of managing a minority government in a divided parliament. Yaël Braun-Pivet, president of the National Assembly and a member of Macron’s party, urged swift action, emphasising the need for a leader who can unify and prioritise passing a new budget bill. French media reports suggest a shortlist of centrist candidates, though no names have been confirmed. The president’s delay in appointing Barnier after June’s legislative elections—over two months—has raised concerns about potential setbacks in selecting a replacement. Calls for Macron’s Resignation The no-confidence vote has emboldened opposition leaders, with some demanding Macron’s resignation. Manuel Bompard, leader of the far-left France Unbowed party, argued that stability requires Macron to step down. Far-right National Rally leader Marine Le Pen did not explicitly call for his resignation but warned of growing pressure on the president. Macron in Morocco after his Western Sahara change brings a 'new honeymoon' Macron has rejected these calls, stating his commitment to serve until 2027, as mandated by the constitution, which does not require a president to step down after their government is ousted. Legislative elections cannot be held until July, adding to the political uncertainty. Economic Concerns The political turmoil has raised fears over France’s economy, with its debt projected to reach 7% of GDP next year without reforms. Analysts warn that Barnier's ousting may increase French interest rates, exacerbating the country’s debt issues. Moody’s cautioned that the government’s fall diminishes the likelihood of addressing public finances and deepens political gridlock. Macron’s address, set for 8 p.m. local time, is expected to outline plans to tackle economic challenges and chart a path forward for the next government.

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte led a fresh push Wednesday for European countries to ramp up defense spending, a budget shortfall that President-elect Donald Trump used to berate US allies during his first term in office, severely damaging trust. After Russia annexed Ukraine’s Crimean Peninsula a decade ago, NATO leaders agreed to halt the defense cuts that began when the Cold War ended and move toward spending two percent of GDP on their military budgets. Since Russia launched its full-fledged invasion almost three years ago, the leaders have agreed that the two percent target should be the floor rather than the ceiling for defense spending. On average, US allies combined meet that figure, but around a third of the members still do not individually. There is 'no consensus' on inviting Ukraine to join NATO: Hungarian official Trump, who takes office on Jan. 20, threatened not to defend “delinquent” countries. NATO is founded on the principle that an attack on any member must be considered an attack on them all. Trump’s remarks undermined confidence that the US could be counted on in a crisis. “If you want to keep the deterrence at the present level, two percent is not enough,” Rutte told reporters after chairing a meeting of NATO foreign ministers in Brussels. “We can now defend ourselves and nobody should try to attack us. But I want that to stay the same in 4 or 5 years.” In July, US President Joe Biden and his NATO counterparts endorsed the biggest shakeup of the way the military alliance would respond to any attack on its territory by Russia since the Cold War. It was meant to deter Moscow from targeting any of the 32 allies. Under highly secret new plans, NATO intends to have up to 300,000 troops ready to move to its eastern flank within 30 days. The plans lay out which allies would respond to an attack anywhere from the Arctic and Baltic Sea region through the Atlantic and east to the Black Sea. But senior NATO officials concede that countries might have to spend up to three percent of GDP to execute the security blueprint successfully. A new spending target is likely to be announced next year. Rutte also said NATO might set specific targets for member countries to fill military equipment gaps. American top court weighs Tennessee’s ban on gender-affirming care for minors UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy insisted that “the time to act is now.” “We’re living in very dangerous times,” he said, singling out Russia and its role in conflicts in the Middle East and Africa, on top of its war on Ukraine. “We urge all allies across the NATO family to get serious about defense spending.” On his last visit to Brussels for a NATO meeting, the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that “this is a time for every ally to lean in, not lean back.” The United States is by far the organization's most powerful member country. “A stronger NATO means more capabilities to deter aggression, more effective allies to meet more complex challenges, and the peace and stability that allows our people to pursue fuller lives,” Blinken said. Rutte also underlined the importance of expanding Europe’s defense industry, with incentives to drive companies to set up more production lines and hire more workers to staff them, as Western support for Ukraine drains armament stocks. “We are producing not enough at too high prices, and the delivery is too slow,” he said. “We cannot have a situation where we just pay more for the same, and we see large kickbacks to the shareholders.” Rutte urged the allies “to work closely together to make sure that we produce at a much higher rate and acceptable prices.” He noted “a number of countries who are now buying South Korean (equipment) because our own defense companies are not producing at a rate we need.”  

Hungary's foreign minister said a meeting of his counterparts from NATO member countries in Brussels on Wednesday had produced “no consensus” on the prospect of inviting Ukraine to join the transatlantic military alliance, a step Kyiv sees as an essential condition for bringing an end to Russia's war. Péter Szijjártó, a fervent critic of Ukraine with close ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin's government, criticized some Western countries that have increased military support to Kyiv following Donald Trump's election to the White House, claiming such moves risked escalating the conflict. He warned that bringing Ukraine into NATO’s ranks “would be tantamount to initiating World War III.” Jewish settlers clash with Israeli troops after attack on Palestinian towns “We believe that Ukraine would not be able to add to European security in its present situation, but rather, as a country at war, inviting Ukraine into NATO we would risk ... the threat of war, namely, the threat of a NATO-Russian war," Szijjártó told a news conference. The meeting of NATO foreign ministers came as Russia makes advances on the battlefield in Ukraine while Kyiv's Western supporters seek to improve its position before Trump takes office in January. Trump has criticized the billions the Biden administration has spent in supporting Ukraine and has said he could end the war in 24 hours, comments that appear to suggest he would press Ukraine to surrender territory that Russia now occupies. Leaders of the 32 NATO member countries have declared that Ukraine is on an “irreversible” path to membership. But NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte on Tuesday sidestepped questions about Ukraine’s possible membership in the alliance, saying that the priority now must be to strengthen the country’s hand in any future peace talks with Russia by sending it more weapons. Consensus among all NATO countries is required for admitting new members. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has recently suggested that extending alliance membership to territory now under Kyiv’s control could end “the hot stage” of the almost three-year war. Hamas and Fatah are near an agreement on who will oversee postwar Gaza But Szijjártó on Wednesday voiced skepticism over increased Western support being able to influence the conflict in Ukraine's favor. “In spite of the arms shipments pouring there, Ukraine’s situation on the battlefield gets worse every day,” he said. “If someone talks about the improvement of the situation of the Ukrainians as an easily achievable goal on the battlefield, they do nothing but deceive themselves and the Ukrainians as well.”

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte on Tuesday sidestepped questions about Ukraine’s possible membership of the military alliance, saying that the priority now must be to strengthen the country’s hand in any future peace talks with Russia by sending it more weapons. Rutte’s remarks, ahead of a meeting of NATO foreign ministers, came days after President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that extending alliance membership to territory now under Kyiv’s control could end “the hot stage" of the almost 3-year war in Ukraine, where Russian forces are pressing deeper into their western neighbor. “The front is not moving eastwards. It is slowly moving westwards,” Rutte said. “So we have to make sure that Ukraine gets into a position of strength, and then it should be for the Ukrainian government to decide on the next steps, in terms of opening peace talks and how to conduct them.” At their summit in Washington in July, leaders of the 32 NATO member countries insisted that Ukraine is on an “irreversible” path to membership. But some, led by the United States, have balked at moving forward while the war rages and before the country’s borders are clearly demarcated. China bans gallium, germanium exports to US over chip sanctions NATO was founded on the principle that an attack on any ally should be considered an attack on them all, and the alliance has consistently tried to avoid being dragged into a wider war with nuclear-armed Russia. Zelenskyy argued that once open conflict ends, any proposal to join NATO could be extended to all parts of the country that fall under internationally recognized borders. Pressed on this by reporters, Rutte said: “I would argue, let’s not have all these discussions step by step on what a peace process might look like.” The first step, he said, must be to “make sure that Ukraine has what it needs to get to a position of strength when those peace talks start.” Ukrainian officials made it clear Tuesday they won’t countenance any half measures or stopgap solutions on NATO membership. The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry issued a strongly worded statement saying Ukraine “will not settle for any alternatives, surrogates or substitutes for Ukraine’s full membership in NATO,” citing its “bitter experience of the Budapest Memorandum.” Trump vows to hit hard Hamas if hostages are not released by Jan 20 Under the international agreement signed in the Hungarian capital 30 years ago, Ukraine agreed to give up its Soviet-era atomic weapons, which amounted to the world’s third-largest nuclear arsenal, in return for security guarantees from Russia, the United States and the United Kingdom. The foreign ministry statement called the Budapest agreement a “monument to short-sightedness in making strategic security decisions.” “We are convinced that the only real guarantee of security for Ukraine, as well as a deterrent for further Russian aggression against Ukraine and other states, is Ukraine’s full membership in NATO,” it said. Reflecting on his recent meeting with US President-elect Donald Trump, Rutte said he had underlined that China, North Korea and Iran were weighing in on Russia's side, putting the United States and the Asia-Pacific region at risk. “Whenever we get to a deal on Ukraine it has to be a good deal, because what we can never have is high-fiving Kim Jong Un and Xi Jinping and whoever else," Rutte said, saying this would only encourage the leaders of North Korea and China to endorse the use of force elsewhere.