Amid escalating tensions, Russia and Ukraine engaged in a series of drone strikes on Wednesday, with reports emerging of North Korea's involvement in supporting Moscow's war efforts. The conflict saw Russia launching 62 drones and one missile overnight, with Ukrainian air force intercepting 33 and jamming 25 of them. Tragically, the strikes hit a residential building and a kindergarten in Kyiv, resulting in injuries to nine individuals, including a child.
Authorities confirmed that Russian attacks extended beyond Kyiv, causing at least four fatalities and injuring around 30 others in various regions of Ukraine over the past 24 hours. Simultaneously, Russian forces continued their offensive in eastern Ukraine, announcing the capture of the village of Kruhlyakivka in the Kharkiv region.
The Defense Ministry in Moscow reported that Ukrainian drones were downed by Russian air defenses in multiple regions across the west and southwest of the country. These developments unfolded as North Korea's Foreign Minister arrived in Moscow for talks, potentially discussing the deployment of additional troops to Russia and the corresponding benefits for North Korea.
According to the Pentagon, approximately 10,000 North Korean troops have been sent to Russia, expected to participate in the conflict against Ukraine in the coming weeks. Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder, the Pentagon press secretary, noted that a limited number of North Korean troops are currently stationed in the Kursk region, where Russia faces challenges in repelling a Ukrainian incursion.
As the situation continues to evolve, the international community closely monitors the developments in Ukraine and the broader implications of foreign involvement in the conflict. For the latest updates on the war in Ukraine, visit AP's coverage.
