Morning brief: Russia-Ukraine war updates; Trump's latest picks, and more

Amid shifting political winds and Trump's return to the White House, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky gave a stark statement on November 19 saying Ukraine will lose against Russia if the US cut the aid for the country. "We will fight. We have our production, but it's not enough to prevail. And I think it's not enough to survive," Zelensky said in an interview to Fox News. Zelensky's statement holds significance as the Republican, during his election campaign, cleared his stance on the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. 

Talking of Trump's second term, the US President-elect announced the TV star and former Fox News commentator Dr Mehmet Oz (known as 'Dr Oz') to lead the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Taking to his Truth Social platform, the Republican wrote, "America is facing a Healthcare Crisis and there may be no Physician more qualified and capable than Dr. Oz to Make America Healthy Again."

Moving on, the current US President Joe Biden reportedly authorised the provision of antipersonnel land mines to Ukraine. The step has long drawn criticism from arms control groups but will boost Ukraine's defences against advancing Russian troops.

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Russia-Ukraine war | Amid shifting political winds Zelensky warns Ukraine 'will lose' without US aid

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has issued a stark warning: without continued US military aid, Ukraine's ability to withstand Russia's ongoing invasion is at grave risk. In an interview with Fox News on Tuesday (Nov 19), Zelensky admitted, "If they cut (the aid), we will — I think we will lose". "We will fight. We have our production, but it's not enough to prevail. And I think it's not enough to survive," he added. The President of the war-torn nation also highlighted the critical importance of US-Ukraine unity, describing it as the foundation of Ukraine's resilience. 

Biden approves antipersonnel land mines for Ukraine amid escalating conflict with Russia: Report

US President Joe Biden has reportedly authorised the transfer of anti-personnel landmines to Ukraine. This comes after Biden, recently, allowed Ukraine to use long-range US missiles for strikes within Russian territory. As per a Washington Post report citing unnamed US officials, the newly authorised land mines are described as "nonpersistent," which means they are designed to self-destruct or deactivate within a set timeframe to minimise risks to civilians. 

Trump names TV star 'Dr Oz' to lead Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services

US President-elect Donald Trump announced Dr Mehmet Oz, a former surgeon and TV celebrity known as "Dr Oz," to lead the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services on Tuesday (Nov 19). Taking to his Truth Social platforms, the Republican wrote, "America is facing a Healthcare Crisis and there may be no Physician more qualified and capable than Dr. Oz to Make America Healthy Again."

Indian, Chinese defence ministers to meet today

Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Chinese Defence Minister Dong Jun will meet later today in Laos on the sidelines of the ASEAN Defence Minister's Plus meeting (ADMM +). This will be the second India-China ministerial meeting in the last two days and comes as ties turn around after the Kazan meeting between PM Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping. 

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