Trump comments on meeting with Putin, EU prepares new sanctions against Russia - Weekend brief

Trump may meet with Putin

US President-elect Donald Trump plans to meet with Putin. This step is aimed at ending Russia's war against Ukraine as soon as possible, he said.

“One of the things I want to do, and quickly... President Putin said that he wants to meet with me as soon as possible. So we have to wait for this, but we have to end that war,” Trump emphasized.

Last month, The Washington Post reported that after the US election, Donald Trump called Vladimir Putin. The conversation took place on November 7.

The Kremlin denies that Putin spoke to Trump after the election. Putin personally denied having spoken to Trump. But he said he was ready for a meeting.

EU prepares new sanctions package against Russia

The European Union is preparing the 16th package of sanctions against Russia. It is expected to be adopted on the third anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

On December 15, the European Union introduced the 15th package of sanctions against Russia. The sanctions list includes 54 individuals and 30 organizations from Russia, China, and the DPRK.

The EU imposed sanctions against the Russian shadow fleet, the Russian military involved in the attack on Okhmatdyt, the management of companies in the energy sector, and those responsible for deporting children, propaganda, and circumventing sanctions.

Ukraine's NATO membership may follow cessation of hostilities - Biden's adviser

Ukraine's membership in NATO could follow the cessation of hostilities, says Michael Carpenter, Advisor for European Affairs at the US National Security Council.

“I think the highest security guarantee for Ukraine is NATO membership. Article 5 is the most reliable, safest form of guarantee that states can have. It is vital for Ukraine to get it,” Carpenter emphasized.

Russia conceals losses among DPRK soldiers

DPRK troops have begun to take part in hostilities against Ukraine. Russia is trying to conceal the presence of North Korean soldiers by issuing them false documents.

Special Operations Forces of Ukraine eliminated three more DPRK soldiers in the Kursk region, seized their documents, and have already established their real names.

The military says their military ID cards lack all the stamps and photos, the names are given in the Russian manner, and the place of birth is signed as the Republic of Tuva, the homeland of former Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu.

An even more important point that gives away the DPRK military is their signature.

Pope prays for Christmas truce worldwide

On the Sunday before Christmas, Pope Francis remembered Ukraine. During his prayer, he called on the world to make a “Christmas truce.”