Escalation of Conflict: Ukraine Faces Increased Attacks from Russia
In a significant escalation of the ongoing conflict, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reported that Russia has launched an unprecedented assault on Ukraine this week, deploying nearly 630 guided air bombs, approximately 550 attack drones, and over 100 missiles. Zelensky expressed gratitude towards the Ukrainian soldiers defending the nation and emphasized the necessity for enhanced air defenses to protect civilians. He called for global unity against Russian aggression, stating, "Only by force can we together force Russia and its allies to abandon terror and achieve a just peace."
North Korean Troops Engaged in Russian Assaults
In a troubling development, Zelensky also revealed that North Korean soldiers are reportedly participating in assaults within the Russian region of Kursk. He indicated that these troops are being integrated into Russian military units and are actively engaged in operations against Ukrainian forces. According to Zelensky, preliminary information suggests that Russia has begun utilizing a significant number of North Korean soldiers, who are already suffering considerable losses. He criticized the situation as an escalation of the conflict, questioning the reluctance of some nations to support Ukraine due to fears of further escalation with Moscow.
The involvement of North Korean troops marks a new phase in the conflict, with estimates suggesting that around 50,000 Russian troops, including several thousand North Koreans, are being assembled to reclaim territories occupied by Ukraine since August. US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin previously noted that about 10,000 North Korean soldiers were in the Kursk region, with expectations of their imminent engagement in combat.
