Russian invasion

 

 

Negotiations
Picture shows: Zelensky and Trump met in St. Peter's Basilica

Presidents Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky had a meeting in St. Peter's Basilica before the Pope's funeral, pictures show.

The meeting, the first between Trump and Zelensky since they met at the White House in February, is described as constructive by both the White House and Zelensky's adviser Andriy Yermak.

Zelensky writes on X that it was a "symbolic meeting that has the potential to be historic." The White House says the meeting resulted in a "productive discussion."

What the leaders discussed is unclear, but is expected to be announced later in the day.

Emmanuel Macron and Keir Starmer are also seen talking to world leaders at the meeting. The presidents are to meet again later in the day.

Analysis: The picture could be a turning point for the world

The picture of the two presidents in St. Peter's Basilica, just minutes before Pope Francis is to be buried, could be a turning point for the world. Dominic Waghorn writes in an analysis for Sky News.

We do not know what Trump and Zelensky said to each other, but in Zelensky's head was the knowledge that Trump wants to reward Russia for their brutal invasion, Waghorn writes.

"This could be the week that we see the world order, as we have had it since World War II, buried, like a pope," he continues.

Although the day was not about politics, the images reminded us that a war is going on 2,400 kilometers from the Vatican, writes Jack Fenwick in an analysis for the BBC. And the fact that the leaders of Britain and France brought Trump and Zelensky together has a symbolism.

"The image of the four leaders is hoped to be seen as a powerful symbol that Western Europe still plays an important role on the world stage," writes Fenwick.
 

The fighting
Putin: The entire Kursk region has been retaken from Ukraine

Russia has now retaken the Kursk region and all Ukrainian soldiers have been forced out, the Kremlin says.

– Ukraine’s adventure has failed completely, says Vladimir Putin, according to Reuters.

Putin also claims that the success in Kursk paves the way for further successes on the battlefield.

Ukraine has not commented, but since Ukraine lost control of the key city of Sudzha earlier this year, there were not many Ukrainian forces left in the region after the successful blitzkrieg that caught Russia off guard.

Putin: The entire Kursk region has been retaken from Ukraine

Russia has now retaken the Kursk region and all Ukrainian soldiers have been forced out, the Kremlin says.

– Ukraine’s adventure has failed completely, says Vladimir Putin, according to Reuters.

Putin also claims that the success in Kursk paves the way for further successes on the battlefield.

Ukraine has not commented, but since Ukraine lost control of the key city of Sudzha earlier this year, there were not many Ukrainian forces left in the region after the successful blitzkrieg that caught Russia off guard.

North Korea's contribution to the war

Since the summer of 2024, North Korea has supplied Russia with large quantities of artillery shells, ballistic missiles and military equipment, according to several intelligence reports. As of October 2024, over 10,000 North Korean soldiers have been sent to Russia, mainly to the Kursk region, where they have participated in battles against Ukrainian forces. Information from, among others, the United States, South Korea and Ukraine shows that North Korean troops have suffered heavy losses, but that North Korea has continued to send reinforcements and weapons. North Korean soldiers have often been placed at roadblocks and observation posts, but have also been deployed in direct battles.