The fighting continues in the Ukraine war, where a new contingent of North Korean soldiers has been deployed by Pyongyang to support the Russian Army. This thousand soldiers add to the nearly 11,000 North Korean troops already deployed to fight against Ukraine.
The dispatch of North Korean troops to Russia is part of the comprehensive strategic partnership agreement reached by North Korean and Russian leaders, Kim Jong-un and Vladimir Putin, in June 2024, which includes a mutual defense clause. Under the pact, North Korea has provided Russia with tens of thousands of containers loaded with artillery, missiles, and other conventional weapons used in the war in Ukraine, and the deployment of soldiers since last October.
Meanwhile, Ukraine has attacked the Belgorod region tonight with several drones, resulting in one casualty. Ukrainian forces have frequently launched attacks in Belgorod and other border regions in the three-year conflict.
CPJ Condemns the Death of a Ukrainian Journalist in a Russian Drone Attack in the Kiev Region
The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) condemned on Wednesday the death of Ukrainian journalist Tatiana Kulik, chief editor of the multimedia section of the Ukrinform news agency, in an attack carried out by the Russian Army on the town of Buchanski in the Kiev region, as reported by Europa Press.
"The Russian drone attack that killed Ukrainian journalist Tatiana Kulik, just days after the third anniversary of the large-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine, is a tragic reminder of the risks faced every day by journalists living and working in the country," said CPJ's program director, Carlos Martínez de la Serna.
During the Wednesday morning attack, a drone hit Kulik's residence, killing her and her husband, Pablo Ivanchov, a surgeon and university professor of Medicine, according to the news agency where the Ukrainian reporter worked.
Russia Shoots Down 20 Ukrainian Drones Over Three of Its Regions and Crimea
Russian anti-aircraft defenses shot down 20 Ukrainian drones last night over three regions and the annexed Crimean peninsula, the Russian Ministry of Defense reported on its Telegram channel on Thursday, as reported by Efe.
According to the military report, 12 of the destroyed drones were shot down over the Oryol region, located more than 50 kilometers from the nearest point of the Ukrainian border.
Six other drones were downed in the border regions of Belgorod (3) and Kursk (3).
Russian Delegation Arrives in Istanbul to Meet with the US
A Russian delegation arrived on Thursday at the residence of the US Consul General in Istanbul for talks between Russia and the United States aimed at resolving disputes over the operation of their respective embassies in Washington and Moscow, as reported by Reuters.
Although the scope of the talks is limited and does not include Ukraine, they will provide a test of the seriousness of both parties in repairing their relations and working to end the war.
Putin Congratulates Members and Veterans of Special Operations Forces
Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated today the members and veterans of the Special Operations Forces (SOF) on the day established in 2015 in honor of that branch of the country's Armed Forces, as reported by Efe. "Today, your combat experience, training, and technical arsenal help fulfill the tasks of the special military operation (in Ukraine)," Putin said in his congratulatory message posted on the Kremlin's website.
He emphasized that both on the front lines, in the rear, and in border areas, SOF members act with courage and determination, demonstrating in practice that for them, "there are no orders impossible to fulfill."
Zelensky Insists on Security Guarantees from the US Before His Trip to Washington
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reiterated in his address to the nation last night the crucial importance of his country receiving security guarantees from Washington within the framework of the agreement finalized by both parties for the creation, with the funds generated by Ukrainian natural resources, of an investment fund majority-owned by the US, as reported by Efe.
"Our teams are working with the United States, we are preparing negotiations for this Friday," Zelensky said in his speech. Zelensky added that the agreement - which according to Trump will be signed tomorrow in Washington - will mean more "support" for the state and for Ukrainians.
The Ukrainian president reiterated that Ukraine must also receive "peace and security guarantees." This is key to ensuring that Russia does not continue destroying the lives of other nations," Zelensky said.
Zelensky to Visit London This Sunday
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is "expected" in London on Sunday, where he will meet with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, a source from the UK government said on Wednesday, as reported by Afp.
The meeting will take place within the framework of a summit organized in London with European leaders on the topic of European defense, by the British Labour leader, who is expected to arrive in Washington on Wednesday night, the source said.
Meanwhile, Zelensky also said he plans to go to London, without specifying the date.