Additional Coverage:
- Two North Korean soldiers captured alive by Ukraine for the first time, Zelensky says (newsbreak.com)
Ukrainian Forces Capture North Korean Soldiers
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that Ukrainian forces have captured two wounded North Korean soldiers fighting with Russia. This is the first time Ukraine has taken North Korean prisoners since they arrived in Russia to join the conflict in October.
Heavy Casualties for North Korean Troops
White House National Security Advisor John Kirby reported that North Korean forces have suffered heavy casualties in Kursk, with over 1,000 killed or wounded in a week. Some soldiers reportedly committed suicide to avoid capture.
Trump Plans Meeting with Putin
As President-elect Donald Trump prepares to take office, he has announced plans to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss the war in Ukraine. Trump has previously expressed support for ending the conflict.
Concerns about US Aid
Trump’s close relationship with Putin and his statements about ending the war have raised concerns in Ukraine and among its supporters. Proposals from incoming Vice President J.D. Vance include freezing Ukraine’s borders and suspending its NATO membership.
US Sanctions on Russian Oil
As President Biden’s administration prepares to leave office, it has imposed sanctions on Russia’s two largest oil companies and over 180 of its oil tankers. The sanctions aim to cut off revenue to the Kremlin’s war effort.
North Korea-Russia Ties
Russia and North Korea have strengthened their relationship since the start of the Ukraine war. The two leaders signed a defense pact in June, and North Korean troops have been deployed to the frontlines in Kursk.