The Russian invasion

The Russian invasion The outside world's response
ISW: North Korea's entry could destabilize Asia

The fact that North Korea sent soldiers to Ukraine could have a long-term impact on stability in Asia, writes the ISW think tank in a status report.

North Korea's increasingly close cooperation with Russia could be a way for the country to reduce its dependence on China, according to the report.

"Reduced Chinese influence over North Korea is likely to make the Korean Peninsula more unstable and dangerous for the Asia-Pacific region, as China uses its influence to curb North Korean aggression."

The defense pact with Russia can also help North Korea develop its nuclear weapons program, and thus make the threats against South Korea more credible, writes ISW.

Sending troops to Ukraine could also be a way to secure Russian support in the event of a possible clash with the neighbor to the south, they add.

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North Korea: Supports Russia until they win the war

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son-Hui have met in Moscow to discuss military cooperation between the countries, several media write.

- Very close ties have been established between the militaries and the special services of the two countries, says Lavrov.

Choe Son-Hui accused the US and South Korea of ​​planning a nuclear attack on North Korea, writes Reuters. This without providing any evidence to support his claim.

She also warned that the situation on the Korean Peninsula could become "explosive" at any moment. North Korea, which recently sent thousands of soldiers to the war in Ukraine, will continue to support Russia until they win the war, according to Son-Hui. 

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The Russian invasion The battles
Russia is gaining ground faster and faster in eastern Ukraine

Last week, Russia took 200 square kilometers of land in eastern Ukraine – more than any other week in 2024, Bloomberg reports.

In total, since August 6, Russia has taken 1⁠ 146 square kilometers, more than it took in total during the first seven months of the year.

Disappointment is growing in Kyiv, say two sources close to President Zelenskyi. The outcome of the US election could mean that the country is forced to agree to an unfavorable peace, or to continue the war against Russia without the vital US support.

In September, a survey by the Razumkov Center in Kyiv showed that two out of three Ukrainians want to start peace talks with Russia – a 14 percent increase compared to the corresponding period last year.