Russia launched a sophisticated attack on the Ukrainian capital Kyiv after 73 days, using a combination of missiles and drones. The Pentagon revealed that the majority of North Korean troops assisting Russia are engaged in combat in the Kursk border region, aiming to push back Ukrainian forces from Russian territory.
The Ukrainian air force reported air raid warnings sounding for hours as Russia targeted eight regions, firing six ballistic and cruise missiles along with 90 drones. Ukrainian air defenses successfully downed four missiles and 37 drones, while 47 drones were thwarted by electronic jamming. The extent of the damage is currently being assessed.
The Pentagon disclosed that over 10,000 North Korean troops, trained by Russia in various military skills, are actively involved in combat operations in Kursk. The cooperation between Russian and North Korean forces faces challenges such as achieving military interoperability and overcoming language barriers.
Russia has reportedly deployed around 50,000 troops in Kursk to dislodge Ukrainian forces. The Institute for the Study of War think tank noted Russia's ongoing assembly of forces for a potential counteroffensive in Kursk, although the exact timeline for this operation remains unknown.
Simultaneously, Ukraine is striving to defend against Russian aggression in the eastern Donetsk region. The political landscape in the United States adds another layer of uncertainty, with questions arising about potential shifts in Washington's policy towards the conflict under the Trump administration.
President Joe Biden has expressed intentions to enhance U.S. military support for Ukraine in the coming months. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized the commitment to bolstering assistance to Ukraine to ensure effective defense against Russian aggression. Blinken also warned of a firm response to North Korea's decision to engage in combat operations alongside Russian forces, without providing further details.
For more updates on the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, visit AP's coverage.
