Russian invasion

Putin's Russia
Historian: War is not Putin's worst headache

As a Russian president, escalating tensions is a pure act of self-preservation. This is what historian Tomas Sniegon writes on DN's debate page regarding a possible end to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

He believes that it is not only a question of foreign policy, but also Russian domestic policy and the power interests that exist within the country's borders. Historical examples suggest that Putin, in the event that he loses power, will be shielded by his successor, writes Sniegon.

The historian believes that it would be difficult for Putin to sell a "forced peace" as a victory for the Russian public.

"Ukraine is a very serious headache for Putin, but it is after all only a partial problem and not the biggest and final one."

Putin's Move: Young People to Compete in Drone Flying

Russia's Vladimir Putin has launched a youth drone flying championship, Nova Gazeta reports.

The championship, called "Pilots of the Future," will start in 2026 and will be open to children aged seven and up.

In recent years, Russia has launched several educational programs about the war in Ukraine for the country's children. Since the start of the war, 40,000 events related to the invasion or war veterans have taken place in schools across Russia. 

North Korea-Russia relations
North Korea sends workers and soldiers to Russia

North Korea will send thousands of workers to Russia to help rebuild the Kursk region. This is reported by AFP.

In addition to workers, two brigades of 5,000 men will be sent to the region. The announcement came after a meeting between the head of the Russian Security Council, Sergei Shoigu, and North Korean dictator Kim Jong-Un.

– This is a kind of fraternal help from the Korean people and leader Kim Jong-Un to our country, says Shoigu, according to AFP.

Kursk in Russia has been particularly hard hit since Ukraine launched its offensive in the region in the summer of 2024.
The relationship between North Korea and Russia – this has happened

• In June 2024, Russia and North Korea signed a strategic partnership agreement with mutual defense guarantees in the event of an attack.
• North Korea has sent over 13,000 containers of weapons to Russia since 2022, equivalent to up to six million artillery shells.
• North Korean soldiers have participated in fighting in Ukraine on the Russian side, which was confirmed by North Korea in May 2025.
• Russia has provided North Korea with food and animals and received North Korean workers to cover labor shortages.
• The United States, South Korea and several Western countries have expressed concern about the deepening cooperation, while China has shown hesitation about the development.