The World in Brief from The Economist

North Korea is planning to send more soldiers to support Russia in Ukraine, according to South Korea’s armed forces.Owing to the holiday, the next audio edition of The World in Brief will be published on Friday morning, GMT. Until then, please check the Espresso or Economist apps for the latest news.

The Saudi doctor accused of attacking a Christmas market in the German city of Magdeburg appeared in court. Also, North Korea is planning to send more soldiers to support Russia in Ukraine, according to South Korea’s armed forces.

Suspect in court after German market attack; Slovakia’s PM meets Putin, and more

America’s navy accidentally shot down one of its own planes over the Red Sea, according to America’s armed forces.

Volkswagen announced plans to cut more than 35,000 jobs, after striking a deal with labour unions

Volkswagen announced plans to cut more than 35,000 jobs, after striking a deal with labour unions

America’s Senate voted to pass a new spending deal.

Russia’s central bank surprised markets by keeping its key interest rate at 21%