French lawmakers have passed a no-confidence vote against the government, throwing the European Union's second-biggest economic power deeper into a crisis that threatens its capacity to legislate and tame a massive budget deficit. or signup to continue reading Far-right and left-wing lawmakers joined forces on Wednesday to back a no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Michel Barnier, with a majority 331 votes in support of the motion. Barnier has to tender his resignation and that of his government to President Emmanuel Macron, making his minority government's three-month tenure the shortest lived in France's Fifth Republic beginning in 1958. He is expected to do so on Thursday morning, French media reported. The hard left and far right punished Barnier for using special constitutional powers to adopt part of an unpopular budget without a final vote in parliament, where it lacked majority support. The draft budget had sought 60 billion euros ($A97.98 billion) in savings in a drive to shrink a gaping deficit. "This (deficit) reality will not disappear by the magic of a motion of censure," Barnier told lawmakers ahead of the vote, adding the budget deficit would come back to haunt whichever government comes next. No French government had lost a confidence vote since Georges Pompidou's in 1962. Macron ushered in the crisis by calling a snap election in June that delivered a polarised parliament. With its president diminished, France risks ending the year without a stable government or a 2025 budget, although the constitution allows special measures that would avert a US-style government shutdown. France's political turmoil will further weaken a European Union already reeling from the implosion of Germany's coalition government, and weeks before US President-elect Donald Trump returns to the White House. The country's outgoing defence minister Sebastien Lecornu warned the turmoil could impact French support for Ukraine. The hard left France Unbowed (LFI) party demanded Macron's resignation. Barnier's political demise was cheered by far-right chief Marine Le Pen, who has sought for years to portray her National Rally party as a government in waiting. "I'm not pushing for Macron's resignation," she said. "The pressure on the president will get greater and greater. Only he will make that decision." France faces a period of deep political uncertainty that is already unnerving investors in French sovereign bonds and stocks. Earlier this week, France's borrowing costs briefly exceeded those of Greece, generally considered far more risky. Macron must now make a choice. The Elysee Palace said the president would address the nation on Thursday evening. Three sources told Reuters that Macron aimed to install a new prime minister swiftly, with one saying he wanted to name a premier before a ceremony to reopen the Notre-Dame Cathedral on Saturday, which Trump is due to attend. Any new prime minister would face the same challenges as Barnier in getting bills, including the 2025 budget, adopted by a divided parliament. There can be no new parliamentary election before July. Macron could alternatively ask Barnier and his ministers to stay on in a caretaker capacity while he takes time to identify a prime minister able to attract sufficient cross-party support to pass legislation. A caretaker government could either propose emergency legislation to roll the tax-and-spend provisions in the 2024 budget into next year, or invoke special powers to pass the draft 2025 budget by decree - though jurists say this is a legal grey area and the political cost would be huge. Macron's opponents also could vote down one prime minister after the next. Advertisement Sign up for our newsletter to stay up to date. We care about the protection of your data. Read our . Advertisement
Entrepreneur Support Organizations Will Compete in Two Stages for $75,000 to $150,000; 2025 Application Opens Jan. 8, 2025 Washington, Dec. 19, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman , head of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and the voice in President Biden's Cabinet for America's more than 34 million small businesses and startups, announced the upcoming launch of the 2025 Growth Accelerator Fund Competition (GAFC) for entrepreneur support organizations (ESOs) focused on innovation-driven startups and entrepreneurs in underserved regions, industries, and communities to launch, grow, and scale. The competition strengthens ESO capacity, builds connections, and fosters collaboration - expanding access to the innovation economy and boosting entrepreneurial activity nationwide. "The 2025 Growth Accelerator Fund Competition will build on SBA's legacy of strengthening innovation ecosystems by deepening the incredible entrepreneur support organization partnerships we have on the ground in undercapitalized communities across the country that are providing resources to our nation's innovators. This year's competition will emphasize advancing America's global leadership in critical industries and ensuring creative ideas make it to market,” said Administrator Guzman. "SBA is eager to engage new entrants in the innovation economy around this year's themes to further support our nation's leadership in emerging technologies and advance our global competitiveness.” The 2025 competition offers $75,000 to $150,000 in awards to organizations to accelerate the growth and maturity of innovation ecosystems in two stages. Stage One: Application opens Jan. 8, 2025 The Stage One application offers $75,000 in cash prizes to organizations that identify challenges within their innovation ecosystems and propose unique solutions. The SBA welcomes submissions from a broad range of organizations with a collaborative vision to nurture a national ecosystem for equitable access to entrepreneurship. Applicants should align their application with one of two GAFC theme areas : 1. Lab-to-market, bridging the gap between research and commercialization, in areas including but not limited to: Stage Two Eligible Stage One winners can compete for additional $150,000 Stage Two awards to scale their proposed solutions. Stage Two winners will be announced by September 2025. For more information, those interested can: About SBA's Office of Investment and Innovation The SBA's Office of Investment and Innovation leads programs that provide the high-growth small business community with access to two things: financial capital and research and development funds to develop commercially viable innovations. Its work is underpinned by public-private partnerships that help small businesses on their trajectory from idea to initial public offering. About the U.S. Small Business Administration The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow, or expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov . CONTACT: SBA HQ Press Team U.S. Small Business Administration [email protected]
The Prime Minister is set to promise a named, contactable police officer for every neighbourhood in England and Wales as he lays out his “plan for change” on Thursday. In a speech billed as setting out the “next phase” of his Government, Sir Keir Starmer is expected to detail ambitious “milestones” for achieving the five missions laid out in Labour’s manifesto. He will say: “My Government was elected to deliver change, and today marks the next step. People are tired of being promised the world, but short-term sticking plaster politics letting them down.” But Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has already branded the speech an “emergency reset” after a challenging five months in office. Downing Street said the milestones would focus on raising living standards, rebuilding Britain, ending hospital backlogs, putting more police on the beat, giving children the best start in life and securing home-grown energy. The Prime Minister is expected to describe the move as “a relief to millions of people scared to walk their streets they call home”, and promise a range of policing reforms to improve performance alongside £100 million to support neighbourhood policing. Labour has already pledged to recruit 13,000 new police officers, PCSOs and special constables, which would bring the total police workforce to a level above its 2010 peak. Police numbers following the 2010 election, before rising again after 2019 as the previous government pledged to recruit 20,000 police officers. While the number of officers reached record levels, the number of PCSOs and special constables continued to decline. The promise of a named officer for each community is intended to improve relations between the police and the public. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper speaks to police officers (Leon Neal/PA) “This marks a return to the founding principles of British policing – where officers are part of the communities they serve.” But the Conservatives said only a third of the 13,000 new recruits would be full police officers, while the £100 million would not cover what was needed to pay for them, leading to cuts elsewhere. Chris Philp, the shadow home secretary, said: “The Conservatives recruited over 20,000 extra police officers and gave the police an extra £922 million for policing this year, ensuring the police could protect the public and prosecute more criminals. “Starmer has once again misled the public by claiming to recruit an extra 13,000 officers when the actual number is 3,000, and even that is not properly funded.” Sir Keir’s policing announcement is expected to be one of several focused on the “missions” Labour set out in its manifesto, which were securing the “highest sustained growth” in the G7, making Britain a “clean energy superpower”, halving serious violent crime, breaking down “barriers to opportunity” and building an NHS “fit for the future”. Along with the targets set to be announced on Thursday, the Prime Minister is expected to propose a significant programme of public sector reform as his Government continues to face questions on how it will achieve its aims without further raising taxes or borrowing. The Prime Minister will say: “Hard working Brits are going out grafting every day but are getting short shrift from a politics that should serve them. “They reasonably want a stable economy, their country to be safe, their borders secure, more cash in their pocket, safer streets in their town, opportunities for their children, secure British energy in their home, and an NHS that is there when they need it. “My mission-led Government will deliver.”
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Roivios Initiates Landmark Study to Demonstrate Safety and Efficacy of an Innovative Renal Assist Device for Cardiac Surgery Patients With Kidney Disease NASSAU, Bahamas , Dec. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Roivios , a pioneering clinical-stage medical device company dedicated to revolutionizing kidney health, proudly announces that its research and development arm, 3ive Labs, has secured approval for an Investigational Device Exemption (IDE) from the FDA. This approval paves the way for a pivotal trial of the JuxtaFlow Renal Assist Device (RAD), marking a transformative step forward in enhancing outcomes for cardiac surgery patients with renal insufficiency. The GRADIENT ( G roundbreaking R enal A ssist D evice I ntervening to EN hance cardio T horacic surgery outcomes) trial is designed to address the critical need for renal support among cardiac surgery patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). These patients often face increased risks of postoperative complications, such as worsening renal dysfunction, which can lead to extended ICU stays and increased mortality. "The GRADIENT Trial offers an invaluable opportunity to further explore renal support during cardiac surgery," said Dr. Evelio Rodriguez , a renowned heart surgeon at Ascension Saint Thomas in Nashville, TN , and the National Principal Investigator of the GRADIENT trial. "The JuxtaFlow device offers new hope for some of our most vulnerable patients." JuxtaFlow RAD is an innovative device designed to potentially improve kidney function during times of acute stress. By applying a gentle suction to the kidney's outlet, it aims to enhance blood filtration more efficiently. This groundbreaking approach was recognized with an FDA Breakthrough Device Designation in April. The GRADIENT study will be a prospective, multicenter, randomized, controlled, open-label trial that plans to enroll patients with renal insufficiency (eGFR 15-60 ml/min) undergoing elective or urgent cardiac surgery requiring CPB. The study seeks to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the JuxtaFlow RAD to sustain or enhance renal function during and following CPB surgery. "Achieving Breakthrough Device Designation was instrumental in securing IDE approval," noted John Erbey , Chief Executive Officer at Roivios. "This initiative is the culmination of a decade of technological and clinical advancements in addressing kidney disease management challenges. Our ongoing dialogue with the FDA is paving the way for more effective management, empowering patients to thrive. We are eager to commence IDE enrollment and explore the JuxtaFlow RAD's potential to improve surgical outcomes and enhance patient quality of life." For more information about Roivios and the JuxtaFlow Renal Assist Device, please visit Roivios.com . About JuxtaFlow RAD The JuxtaFlow RAD is a pioneering investigational device set to transform kidney support therapy. Acknowledging the harmful effects of fluid accumulation and pressure on the kidneys, Roivios has advanced beyond traditional blood filtration methods that can further stress the kidneys. By applying mild, controlled negative pressure within the kidney's collecting system, the device has the potential to maintain and improve filtration and support recovery. This novel approach holds promise for a compelling value proposition by preserving kidney function and expediting patient recovery, ultimately reducing hospital stays and associated costs. Equipped with a proprietary specialized catheters and pump, the device optimizes kidney function during critical recovery periods, such as post-surgery. Currently, the JuxtaFlow RAD is under investigation and is not available for sale in any geography. About Roivios Roivios is a clinical-stage medical device company committed to pioneering solutions for kidney health. Our lead product, the JuxtaFlow Renal Assist Device (RAD), is designed to preserve kidney function and offer a proactive approach to managing kidney disease. We aim to demonstrate improved renal outcomes, potentially reducing the need for dialysis, and lowering healthcare costs. Holding proprietary patents in key kidney technologies, we aim to revolutionize kidney disease management. With plans to extend its application beyond kidney disease to various medical settings, Roivios is preparing for a transformative U.S. launch, aiming to redefine kidney disease management and improve patient quality of life. Discover more at roivios.com . This release contains forward-looking statements subject to risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ significantly. Media Contact : Kelly Krueger , Krueger PR, [email protected] SOURCE Roivios, ltdWatch Los Angeles Lakers vs. Miami Heat free live stream
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. , Dec. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Forge Institute is proud to announce the launch of the Phoenix Xcelerator, a pioneering program designed to empower & grow startups across the defense and aerospace sectors. Through structured programming—including a rigorous high-quality curriculum, personalized mentorship, and coaching—the Phoenix Xcelerator advances industry-informed and mission-led innovation. The program is funded in-part through a grant from the Arkansas Economic Development Commission (AEDC). Why Arkansas ? Arkansas is home to over 178 aerospace and defense companies employing more than 10,900 people. Reports from federal sources highlight a decline in defense contractors, with the Department of Defense (DoD) vendors shrinking by 27.6% in the past decade. The Phoenix Xcelerator aims to reverse this trend, empowering startups to address defense challenges and reinforcing Arkansas's leadership in the sector. Arkansas's aerospace and defense exports, valued at over $850 million in 2023, represent 13% of the state's total exports, making them the top export category. Furthermore, the Little Rock Air Force Base reported a $1.38 billion economic impact in 2023. Major players like Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, and Dassault Falcon Jet have positioned the state as a hub for defense innovation, with the Phoenix Xcelerator serving as a launchpad for the next wave of industry leaders. Program Details The Phoenix Xcelerator offers a 12-week intensive program, guiding participants through business validation, go-to-market strategies, and development of minimum viable products (MVPs) or prototypes. Participants gain expertise in non-dilutive funding opportunities such as SBIR/STTR and other grant programs, as well as access to capital networks for sustained growth. Established companies receive support in maximizing intellectual property and evaluating dual-use markets. Key features include: The program emphasizes emerging technologies like directed energy, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, drones, ISR and other technologies, ensuring readiness for critical defense challenges. Apply Now The Phoenix Xcelerator team brings decades of expertise to guide startups toward impactful, scalable growth. Entrepreneurs and companies working on dual-use technologies are encouraged to apply, gaining unparalleled resources and opportunities to innovate within the defense sector. To apply now, visit www.forge.institute/phoenix-xcelerator View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/forge-institute-launches-phoenix-xcelerator-to-scale-growth-of-defense-tech-startups-302336707.html SOURCE Forge Institute
President Joe Biden sent a heartfelt letter to ESPN “College GameDay” football analyst Kirk Herbstreit after his adored golden retriever, Ben, died of cancer last month. “I was so sorry to hear about the loss of your beloved Ben,” Biden said in the November 22 note. “Ben brought so much comfort and unconditional love to millions of Americans across our Nation. “In your most joyful moments and most grief-stricken days, he was there, sensitive to every unspoken feeling and emotion.” Herbstreit shared the letter and his gratitude to Biden on social media Wednesday. “Politics aside-REALLY honored to receive this personal note from @POTUS sharing his appreciation and compassion for the loss of our beloved Ben. I can only hope that Ben knows how many people he touched.” A certified emotional service animal, Ben became famous for his infectious, friendly nature while in the national spotlight each week. He caused uncontrollable “oohs-and-ahs” while accompanying Herbstreit around the country covering football. Ben — who had been with Herbstreit for 10 years — would often be seen on set during live productions. The long-time ESPN commentator would also bring his cherished dog along for his “Thursday Night Football” on Prime Video gig. Ben had taken ill this year and was diagnosed with leukemia in March and underwent surgery in July, according to ESPN. “I know what it is like to lose a beloved pet, and I hope you can find some comfort in cherishing the beautiful memories you shared with Ben,” Biden continued. “He was a good boy.” In June 2021, the Bidens announced that Champ, their “beloved” German Shepherd, who had been with their family since 2008, had died. David Close contributed to this report.Dover Corp. stock outperforms competitors despite losses on the day
Rico Carty, who won the 1970 NL batting title with the Atlanta Braves, dies at 85SFA president Mike Mulraney has stressed he is determined for the governing body to maintain a strong working relationship with major “economic driver” Rangers after launching an ambitious £50m campaign to upgrade 90 football pitches and 75 dressing rooms across Scotland by 2030. Mulraney and SPFL chief executive Neil Doncaster helped to facilitate the Ibrox club’s temporary relocation to Hampden back in July when redevelopment work on the Copland Stand ran over schedule due, despite written guarantees the materials were in place from the contractors, to a delay in a shipment of steel from Asia. The Alloa honorary president rubbished suggestions his organisation are at loggerheads with the Glasgow giants as the controversy over the Vaclav Cerny penalty incident in their Premier Sports Cup final against Celtic, who lifted the trophy after a dramatic spot kick shootout, on Sunday rumbled on. Relations between the SFA and Rangers have often been strained in recent years and the outcry over the failure by VAR officials Alan Muir and Frank Connor to spot that Cerny had entered the opposition area while he was being pulled by Liam Scales has led to renewed claims that ill-feeling persists behind the scenes. However, Mulraney, who was at the home of Pollok United in Glasgow on Wednesday to get the Pitching In project underway with a donation of £5m, stressed that he has been personally incensed at refereeing decisions which have gone against his own club in the past and has asked for clarification. Read more: Rangers and Celtic pyro disciplinary takes new Safety Officer twist Celtic defender responds to Rangers VAR penalty outrage Sir Jim Ratcliffe increases Manchester United stake The businessman knows that his crusade to improve facilities for footballers of all ages and abilities across Scotland in the next six years depends on all the clubs in the country working as one for the greater good of the game and he is eager to have Rangers on board. “I can only speak personally and say that since I have been involved with the SFA I have had pretty good relationship with most clubs,” he said. “Often it’s about letting people know that your door is open. They don’t even have to walk through it so long as they know it is open and we certainly have that attitude. “It’s having a positive impact. We can’t improve facilities unless we have our senior clubs on board. Senior clubs drive the economy of Scottish football. They are the big motors behind the economy of our game. “If I want Ian [chief executive Maxwell] to produce £7m profit for the SFA when other sports are struggling then we need our big economic drivers to be on board. To allow us to use that money to do good. So we have a really good relationship, I believe, with our partners and our members.” (Image: SNS) Mulraney continued: “It’s not Rangers, Celtic, Aberdeen and Dundee United against the SFA. They are the SFA. They are the members, they are the owners. This idea that they are going to demand talks. Who with? Themselves? I am there to represent them, I am them, I am one of them. “When I had my Alloa hat on and we didn’t get a penalty I thought we should have had I got as upset as anyone. I didn’t get as many column inches. But I was on the phone asking, ‘How come my boy got sent off?’ “That’s the passion of football and I hope it never goes away. I want everybody to be up for what happened at the weekend. Now, I want success and I don’t want mistakes to be made, but I want the theatre of our game. It’s fantastic. “But, remember, when clubs ask for discussion it’s with themselves. They are us and we are them and we’re in it together. The reason we sit here today is so that we can talk and say, ‘This is what we are trying to do’. “To build the infrastructure we need money, and to get money we need Rangers, we need Celtic, we need Aberdeen, Hearts, Livingston, Annan, Elgin, Peterhead and Sauchie Juniors. We need everybody on board.” Read more: Rangers respond after Willie Collum major VAR error admission Willie Collum admits 'unacceptable' Rangers cup final penalty mistake The Rangers penalty call that divided SFA & KMI panel SFA head of refereeing Willie Collum contacted Rangers this week to admit that Philippe Clement’s side should have been awarded a penalty for the Scales tug on Cerny and he publicly admitted that when he appeared on The Var Review show on You Tube yesterday lunchtime. However, Mulraney pointed out that the modern technology remains susceptible to human error and stressed that mistakes will still be made in games despite its presence at grounds around the country and the best efforts of staff at Clydesdale House. He is sure that Collum and his colleagues will be devastated that there was such a glaring error was made in such a high profile match and will be redoubling their efforts to ensure that there are no further mistakes in the weeks and months ahead. “Knowing Willie and every single person involved with every decision that’s wrong, it hurts,” he said. “I am not sure it hurts them any more if it is a cup final than any other game. I really don’t think so. “Every ref, linesman, VAR operator, all of them, it hurts them just as much as the centre forward who misses a shot from three yards out, the guy who misses the penalty, the goalie who fumbles the ball into the net and goes home and beats himself up about it. I honestly think that’s the case.”
PVH’s (NYSE:PVH) Q3: Beats On Revenue But Stock DropsUS President-elect Donald Trump on Wednesday nominated Jared Isaacman, a billionaire online payments entrepreneur and the first private astronaut to conduct a spacewalk, as the next head of NASA. The nod raises questions about potential conflicts of interest, given Isaacman's financial ties to SpaceX chief Elon Musk, who is set to co-chair a government efficiency commission and is one of Trump's closest advisors. Isaacman, 41, the founder and CEO of Shift4 Payments, has emerged as a leading figure in commercial spaceflight through his high-profile collaborations with SpaceX. He made history in September by stepping out of a Crew Dragon to gaze at Earth from the void of space while gripping the spacecraft's exterior, during the first-ever spacewalk carried out by non-professional astronauts. "I am delighted to nominate Jared Isaacman, an accomplished business leader, philanthropist, pilot and astronaut, as Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)," Trump wrote on Truth Social. "Jared will drive NASA's mission of discovery and inspiration, paving the way for groundbreaking achievements in Space science, technology, and exploration." The groundbreaking spacewalk was part of the Polaris program, a collaboration between Isaacman and SpaceX that is set to include three missions in total. Financial terms of the partnership remain under wraps but Isaacman reportedly poured $200 million of his own money into leading the 2021 all-civilian SpaceX Inspiration4 orbital mission, his first foray into space. A staunch supporter of SpaceX and Musk, Isaacman frequently praises the company and its vision on social media platform X. "There will inevitably be a thriving space economy -- one that will create opportunities for countless people to live and work in space," Isaacman said in an X post after Trump's announcement. "At NASA, we will passionately pursue these possibilities." Isaacman, a Pennsylvania native, founded the business that became Shift4 Payments from his family's basement at just 16. A skilled aviator, he is qualified to fly military aircraft, has performed at airshows, and set a world record for an around-the-world flight. The nomination comes at a delicate juncture for the storied US space agency, with experts anticipating significant shifts in direction during Trump's second term. The Artemis program, which aims to return astronauts to the Moon, may face scrutiny as Trump has repeatedly voiced a preference for prioritizing a direct mission to Mars. Also possibly on the chopping block is the massive, NASA-owned Space Launch System (SLS) Moon rocket, which has been criticized for being exorbitantly expensive due to its lack of reusability, in contrast with SpaceX's Starship, which is designed to be reusable but remains a prototype. If Isaacman is confirmed by the Senate, his ties to SpaceX could invite heightened scrutiny of future contracting decisions. NASA currently has agreements with both SpaceX and Jeff Bezos's Blue Origin to develop lunar lander systems -- a dual-source approach Isaacman has criticized, citing budgetary constraints and SpaceX's capabilities. In a recent op-ed for Space News, Peter Juul of the Progressive Policy Institute called upon Congress to require dual-source contracting to "preserve competition in the commercial space industry and preempt any attempt by Musk to entrench SpaceX as a de facto monopoly for commercial space services." Still, as a daring entrepreneur in an era of expanding public-private partnerships in space, Isaacman's appointment has drawn praise in some quarters. "The Planetary Society shares his vision of bold exploration in space, and, should he be confirmed, we look forward to working with him," Casey Dreier, the nonprofit's chief of space policy, told AFP. ia/ahaA landmark defence pact between North Korea and Russia, signed by its leaders in June, has gone into effect after the two sides exchanged ratification documents, North Korea's official KCNA news agency said Thursday. The formalization of the treaty comes as the United States and South Korea have accused the nuclear-armed North of sending more than 10,000 soldiers to help Russia fight Ukraine. Experts say North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is keen to acquire advanced technology from Moscow and battle experience for his troops in return. Kim and Russian President Vladimir Putin signed the strategic partnership deal during the Kremlin chief's visit to Pyongyang. It obligates both states to provide military assistance "without delay" in the case of an attack on the other, and to jointly oppose Western sanctions. It came into effect from Wednesday, when the ratification documents were exchanged in Moscow by the countries' vice foreign ministers Kim Jong Gyu and Andrei Rudenko, KCNA reported. Lawmakers in Moscow last month voted unanimously for the deal and it was later signed by Putin. Pyongyang said it was ratified by a decree from Kim. The treaty will serve "as a strong driving force accelerating the establishment of an independent and just multi-polarized world order without domination, subjugation and hegemony," KCNA said. Analysts have suggested Pyongyang could be using Ukraine as a means of realigning its foreign policy. By sending soldiers, North Korea is positioning itself within the Russian war economy as a supplier of weapons, military support and labour — potentially even bypassing traditional ally, neighbour and main trading partner China, they say. North Korea and Russia have strengthened their military ties since Moscow's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Both countries are under rafts of UN sanctions -- the former for its nuclear weapons programme and the latter for the Ukraine conflict. Kim said last week during a visit to Pyongyang by Russian Defence Minister Andrei Belousov that his government, army and people would "invariably support the policy of the Russian Federation to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity". Putin hailed the deal in June as a "breakthrough document". bur-sst/bjt