North Korean troops join Putin's winter push as Trump's presidency approaches
Russian military deploys 50‚000 troops with North Korean support to retake lost territory near Kursk. Western intel suggests increased drone activity as Putin rushes to gain advantage before US leadership change
In a major military build-up Vladimir Putin has positioned 50‚000 troops including North Korean forces near Kursk aiming to reclaim territory before Donald Trump takes office in jan-2025
Gen Oleksandr Syrskyi reported that elite Russian units are now attacking Ukrainian positions; intel suggests about 12000 North Korean soldiers joined the offensive (which marks the biggest counter-attack since summer)
tens of thousands of enemy soldiers from the best Russian shock units
Western analysis shows Russiaʼs progress in oct-2024 was the most significant since mid-22; theyʼre now targeting key-points like Pokrovsk - a vital supply hub thats crucial for Ukraineʼs defense network. Russian forces are moving through weak spots in Ukrainian lines while Kyivʼs troops face equipment shortages
- Multiple cities under attack including Mykolaiv
- At least 6 civilian casualties reported
- Increased drone strikes from both sides
- Russian advances from three directions near Kurakhove
British defense reports indicate a 35% increase in kamikaze-drone launches with new sites being set-up near the border. The Kremlins push seems timed with Trumpʼs upcoming presidency; western diplomats think Putin wants better position for future talks
Ukraine launched its largest-ever drone operation against Moscow while Russia claims it shot down 13 Ukrainian drones over Kursk and Belgorod regions. Local sources say some Russians who left Sudzha held an un-approved protest asking for home-loss compensation
