Russian president Vladimir Putin has ordered an increase in the size of the military to 1.55 million active servicemen, according to a decree issued on Monday. This expansion, which adds 15,500 troops, follows a similar increase ordered in August and is part of a broader strategy that raises the total number of personnel in the Russian armed forces to 2,441,630.
As the conflict drags into its fifth year, both Russia and Ukraine face rising casualties. Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed on social media that more than 8,000 North Korean troops are currently stationed on Russian territory, with another 10,000 troops being prepared for deployment. This marks the first time leaders from both nations have acknowledged the presence of North Korean soldiers in the fight against Ukraine.
Zelenskyy provided additional details, stating that North Korean forces are being selected for training and subsequent deployment to Russia. Since 2024, estimates suggest that North Korea has sent between 14,000 and 15,000 troops to support Russia, primarily positioned in the Kursk region to assist in repelling Ukrainian incursions.
As tensions escalate, explosions were reported in Kyiv early Tuesday, with missile debris falling in a residential area. Kyiv mayor Vitali Klitschko reported that damage included a fire in a non-residential building. On the previous day, Zelenskyy announced that Russian drone strikes had killed nine people and injured over 80 across the country, including in Kyiv.
In a separate appeal for peace, Pope Leo urged both Russia and Ukraine to engage in dialogue to resolve the ongoing conflict. Speaking from a press conference aboard his flight to Rome after a trip to France, the Pope emphasized the responsibility of the Catholic Church to promote peace and respect for human life. He called on leaders from both nations, as well as other countries, to come together and discuss ways to end the war.
NATO's top military commander, US General Alexus Grynkewich, commented on Russia's efforts to sabotage European support for Ukraine. He noted that state-directed sabotage attempts are becoming increasingly bold, citing incidents such as the discovery of an explosive-laden drone at a German airport. Grynkewich assured EU lawmakers that these tactics are failing to deter support for Ukraine.
In response to the war's fiscal impact, Ukraine's government announced a postponement of some spending commitments, including reconstruction projects. Prime Minister Sergiy Koretsky explained that delays in receiving aid from foreign backers forced the government to redirect resources to critical areas. Ukraine's economy has faced severe challenges due to the ongoing conflict, leading to billions in destruction.
Amid increasing tensions with Germany, Putin has ordered the Russian assets of German retailer Metro AG to be placed under temporary administration. The government announcement did not specify a reason for the action, which follows similar moves against other companies like Nestlé and Auchan under a decree aimed at businesses linked to "unfriendly countries." This has led to local owners taking control of the Russian operations of firms such as Danone and Carlsberg at significantly reduced prices.
On the military front, a Russian jet-powered drone struck a Ukrainian village near the Polish border on Monday, damaging a border checkpoint. The specific details regarding the checkpoint and the extent of the damage remain unclear, but this incident follows a pattern of increased attacks near Ukraine's border with Poland, drawing condemnation from Warsaw and its European allies.
The situation remains fluid as both nations navigate a conflict that shows no sign of abating. With Russia bolstering its military presence and North Korean troops becoming more integrated into the conflict, the stakes for Ukraine and its allies continue to rise.
According to The Guardian.
