Suicide and soap operas: North Koreans react to being Ukrainian POWs
The capture of two North Korean soldiers definitively proves Pyongyang is sending military support to Russia.
South Korea
Suicides, new tactics and propaganda iPads: details from captured North Koreans expose new foe in Ukraine
Discovery of two injured servicemen sent from Pyongyang and disguised as Russian fighters blows apart myth that Zelenskyy’s fight is solely with MoscowThe news was sensational. It travelled quickly among Ukrainian soldiers fighting in Russia’s Kursk re…
German farmers fear ‘massive’ hit from foot-and-mouth outbreak
Several countries have already taken precautionary measures or imposed bans, as the German livestock sector braces for longer-term impact.
European jitters about Trump 2.0 not shared by much of world, poll finds
Exclusive: Findings suggest ‘weakening of west’ as relations become more transactional, say report’s authorsEuropean anxiety about Donald Trump’s return to the White House is not shared in much of the world, a poll has shown, with more people in non-we…
Tuesday briefing: What Ukraine might gain from two North Korean captives
In today’s newsletter: Kyiv’s interrogation footage of captured North Korean soldiers leads to questions about what it might do with the soldiers – and what the PoWs might do for themGood morning. In a grinding war where significant changes at the fron…
How Saudi Arabia became the world’s plastic cheerleader
The rich oil state has built a team of silver-tongued U.N. negotiators with a simple mandate: keep plastic production growing.
Dude, where’s my robot? Europe trails Korea, US
Draft document obtained by POLITICO exposes Europe’s tech lag.
North Korean soldiers in Ukraine show no intent to defect to South Korea, Seoul says
North Korean soldiers in Ukraine show no intent to defect to South Korea, Seoul says
Ukraine war briefing: Kyiv ready to swap North Korean soldiers for Ukrainian PoWs, Zelenskyy says
Ukrainian president says there ‘should be no doubt left’ that Russia is dependent on military assistance from North Korea. What we know on day 1,055See all our Ukraine coverageUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Sunday he was ready to hand …
Ukrainian special forces capture two North Korean soldiers in Kursk
The Security Dervice of Ukraine said the questioning of the North Koreans was being done in Korean with the help of South Korea’s intelligence agency.
The post Ukrainian special forces capture two North Korean soldiers in Kursk appeared first on Eurac…
Ukraine war briefing: Ukraine ‘captures two North Korean soldiers in Russia’
Pair being interrogated in Kyiv, with intelligence agency SBU saying one had fake Russian military ID; Russia claims control of village near PokrovskSee all our Ukraine coverageUkraine said it was interrogating two North Korean soldiers after capturing…
‘Black box’ from South Korean plane crash is missing last four minutes of data
South Korea’s transport ministry said on Saturday that the black box on the Jeju plane that crashed landed failed to record the last four minutes of the flight.
Russia will send advanced space tech to North Korea, Blinken says
The Kremlin also “may be close” to recognizing North Korea as a nuclear power, says U.S. top diplomat.
Taiwan suspects China of latest attack on undersea cables
A Cameroon-flagged tanker could not be boarded due to rough seas and steamed on toward South Korea.
Trump’s world of peril — and opportunity
This past year reordered domestic politics. 2025 will remake the world’s geopolitical map.
Russia trained officers for attacks on Japan and South Korea
Leaked military files show detailed plans for strikes on civilian infrastructure in event of war
Ukraine war briefing: US grants $6bn in aid to Ukraine before Trump inauguration
Aid package includes weapons and economic assistance to pay for critical government services; Ukraine foreign minister visits Syria. What we know on day 1,042The US has unveiled almost $6bn in military and budget aid for Ukraine, as the Biden administr…
South Korea orders air safety probe after worst crash in country kills 179
Experts say many questions remain, including why the planeappeared to be travelling so fast and why its landing gear did not appear to be down when it skidded down the runway and into a wall.
The post South Korea orders air safety probe after worst cra…
More than 170 people killed as passenger jet crash-lands in South Korea
Fiery crash at Muan International Airport is one of the country’s worst aviation disasters.
Most of the 175 passengers feared dead in fiery South Korea airliner crash
Video shared by local media showed the twin-engine aircraft skidding down the runway with no apparent landing gear before slamming into a wall in an explosion of flame
The post Most of the 175 passengers feared dead in fiery South Korea airliner crash…
Ukraine war briefing: ‘Human wave’ of North Korean troops being sent to their deaths, says US
Kyiv reports heavy casualties among Pyongyang’s soldiers in Russia while Washington accuses generals of seeing the troops as ‘expendable’. What we know on day 1,039See all our Ukraine war coverageNorth Korean troops deployed in Russia’s Kursk region ar…
Biden administration pledges additional military aid to Ukraine amid Russia war
Security assistance package in works as North Korean troops are deployed in Kursk after Putin-Kim agreementThe Biden administration is pledging to approve fresh military aid to Ukraine in the coming days, including crucial air defense systems, as North…
North Koreans launching ‘human wave’ attacks against Ukrainian positions in Kursk
North Korea is suffering “heavy casualties,” White House National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby told reporters.
South Korea’s acting president impeached as his predecessor goes on trial
The impeachment of Han Duck-soo, the acting president since Yoon Suk Yeol was impeached for declaring martial law, has pushed South Korea into uncharted territory.
The post South Korea’s acting president impeached as his predecessor goes on trial…
‘I thought it was fake news’: secrecy around North Koreans fighting in Kursk
As reports of battlefield casualties emerge, Russian locals say presence of soldiers sent by Pyongyang is barely noticedAt dusk one afternoon last week, two dozen wounded North Korean soldiers were brought to one of the main hospitals in the Russian ci…
Injured North Korean soldier captured by Ukraine forces, says South Korea
Spy agency says one soldier detained after reports emerge in Ukrainian media of possible first such capture, in Kursk regionSouth Korea’s spy agency has confirmed Ukrainian reports that an injured North Korean soldier has been captured by Ukrainian fo…
Zelenskyy says North Korea could send to Russia more troops, military equipment
Ukraine’s assessment of losses suffered by Pyongyang was higher than that of South Korea, which last week reported some 100 North Koreans killed with another 1,000 wounded in the Kursk region.
The post Zelenskyy says North Korea could send to Russia mo…
Ukraine war briefing: more than 3,000 North Korean military casualties in Russia’s Kursk, claims Zelenskyy
Ukraine president criticises world leaders for doing ‘almost nothing’ to counteract Moscow’s military cooperation with Pyongyang. What we know on day 1,035Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said that more than 3,000 North Korean soldiers have been killed or wound…
More than 1,000 North Korean military casualties in Ukraine war, says South Korea
Claims underline risks posed to North’s untested armed forces amid reports regime could send reinforcementsMore than 1,000 North Korean soldiers have been killed or wounded since they were sent to fight alongside Russian troops in Ukraine, according to…
Russia-Ukraine war live: North Korea preparing to send more troops to Russia, says South Korea
Troops and weapons, including suicide drones, to be shipped to Russia to support war against Ukraine, say Seoul’s joint chiefs of staff Continue reading…
Peter Mandelson confirmed as Britain’s next ambassador to the US
Keir Starmer praises incoming ambassador — a former European trade commissioner — for his “unrivalled experience,” as former colleagues rate his chances in Trumpworld.
North Korean troops suffer at least 100 deaths, struggling in drone warfare
The heavy losses are attributed to the lack of experience by North Korean troops in drone warfare and unfamiliarity with the open terrain, a South Korea MP explained.
The post North Korean troops suffer at least 100 deaths, struggling in drone warfare …
The Guardian view on North Koreans dying for Russia: an alarming alliance gains strength | Editorial
For Pyongyang, dead soldiers are a price worth paying for the rewards of friendship with Moscow A few years ago, it would have sounded fantastical to suggest that massed North Korean soldiers would fight on a European battlefield – as a Ukrainian comma…
World War III is already underway. In Ukraine.
Three years in, Russia’s invasion has drawn in dozens of countries.
Britain’s bold new world … as a Pacific trading nation
With global free-traders on the back foot amid Donald Trump’s return, the U.K. is placing its bets on the tongue-twisting CPTPP.
South Korea’s acting president moves to reassure allies after impeachment
Han Duck-soo, a technocrat serving as prime minister, was elevated to acting president while impeached president Yoon Suk Yeol’s case moves to the Constitutional Court.
The post South Korea’s acting president moves to reassure allies after impeac…
South Korean parliament removes President Yoon, sparking street celebrations
The EU calls for “a swift and orderly resolution” of the political crisis in Seoul.
Do Syria’s liberators still deserve the terrorist label?
Assad’s downfall was met with unbridled joy and relief among Syrians and Syria’s expatriate community.
South Korean president dodges impeachment
Opposition leaders called for Yoon Suk Yeol’s resignation following martial law attempt.
A plastic-free future needs an engaged PVC value chain
Being sustainable is just one piece of the puzzle. Circular economy principles must be paired with strong waste management practices.
Ukraine war briefing: Zelenskyy delegation meets with Trump team – report
Top Ukrainian presidential aide Andriy Yermak involved, sources tell Reuters; Sullivan calls on Trump to maintain defence production ramp-up. What we know on day 1,016A Ukrainian delegation met on Wednesday with senior representatives of Donald Trump, …
South Korean president faces impeachment calls after martial law debacle
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said he welcomed President Yoon Suk Yoon’s decision to rescind the martial law declaration.
South Korean troops try to storm parliament after martial law declared
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law on Tuesday for the first time in the country since 1980.
South Korean president declares martial law in shock late-night address
President Yoon Suk Yeol said the move was “aimed at eradicating pro-North Korean forces.”
UN plastic treaty talks end without a deal
It was a disappointing conclusion to a summit that many hoped would yield a landmark treaty to tackle a worsening global plastic pollution crisis.
UN plastic talks on verge of collapse in final hours
Oil-rich nations and high-ambition countries were in deadlock with just hours to go at the negotiations in Busan, South Korea.
Ukraine war briefing: US urges Zelenskyy to lower conscription age to 18
Biden administration readying another $725m in arms for Kyiv; Zelenskyy to approve tax increases for defence funding. What we know on day 1,009 A senior official in Joe Biden’s administration has told the Associated Press that the US is urging Ukraine…
Why Europe needs a Connectivity Union
With competitiveness lagging, the EU must take urgent, decisive action to reignite the region’s economy
North Korea accused of GPS jamming attacks on South Korean ships and aircraft
Seoul’s military says several vessels and dozens of civilian planes disrupted, a week after Pyongyang fired what it called its most powerful solid-fuel ICBM missileNorth Korea staged GPS jamming attacks on Friday and Saturday, Seoul’s military said – a…
Zelenskyy says clashes with North Korean troops ‘open page’ to instability
Ukrainian Defence Minister Rustem Umerov confirmed, in an interview with South Korean television, that the first engagement had occurred with North Korean troops, an apparent escalation in a conflict that began when Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022.
Ukraine war briefing: First clash with North Korean troops, say Ukrainian officials
What was described as a ‘small engagement’ in Kursk opens a ‘new page in instability in the world’, says Zelenskyy. What we know on day 987See all our coverage of the Russia-Ukraine warNorth Korean troops in Russia have come under Ukrainian fire, a Kyi…
If Trump Wins, Here’s How Foreign Leaders Should Respond
A book by South Korea’s former president includes 5 tips for tangling with Trump.
NATO’s Rutte says Russian attacks on Europe are ‘intensifying’
“interfering directly in our democracies, sabotaging industry and committing violence,” said Mark Rutte.
Why are North Korean soldiers entering Russia’s war against Ukraine? – video explainer
About 8,000 North Korean soldiers are stationed in Russia on the border with Ukraine, the US secretary of state has said, warning that Moscow is preparing to deploy those troops into combat ‘in the coming days’. The announcement was the clearest statem…
Japan, EU to announce new defence pact
After the Tokyo talks, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell will head to South Korea, where concerns about North Korea will top the agenda.
South Korea weighs arming Ukraine after North Korean deployment
Seoul views Pyongyang’s troops in Russia and possible technology transfers as direct security risk
About 8,000 North Korean soldiers at Ukraine border, says US
Antony Blinken warns that Russia is preparing to deploy the troops into combat ‘in the coming days’About 8,000 North Korean soldiers are stationed in Russia on the border with Ukraine, the US secretary of state has said, warning that Moscow is preparin…
Ukraine war briefing: ‘Pentagon leaker’ Jack Teixeira deserves 17 years in jail, argue prosecutors
Serviceman put classified information about Ukraine war on Discord; US and South Korea call for Kim Jong-un to withdraw troops. What we know on day 981See all our Ukraine war coverage Continue reading…
US and South Korea call for North Korea to withdraw troops from Russia
Russia and North Korea have deepened their political and military alliance as the Ukraine war has dragged on. Russia’s President Vladimir Putin has not denied the deployment of North Korean troops to his country but has also refused to confirm it, whil…
North Korean troops in Russian uniforms heading to Kursk, says US
Lloyd Austin says deployment near Ukraine border is a dangerous and destabilising developmentNorth Korean troops wearing Russian uniforms and carrying Russian equipment are moving to the Russian region of Kursk, near Ukraine, according to the US defenc…
Zelenskyy’s top aide talks assistance, North Korea with Blinken, Sullivan
The meetings too place as Russia’s war in Ukraine appeared to take a dangerous new turn, with NATO and South Korea expressing alarm that North Korean troops could soon be joining in on Moscow’s side.
Visas for under-30s ‘essential’ to Brexit reset, leaked EU document says
It’s the latest sign the idea is still very much in Brussels’ sights — despite British pushback.
North Korea ramps up Kim Jong Un’s security over assassination threat, Seoul says
South Korean intel chiefs did not cite a specific threat to Pyongyang’s leader in describing his expanded protection.
North Korea troops in Russia ready to go to frontline, Seoul’s spy agency says
South Korea’s president Yoon Suk Yeol, in a phone call with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, said the deployment of North Korean troops to the front lines of the war in Ukraine may come sooner than expected.
North Korean troops are now in Kursk to help Russia, NATO confirms
Mark Rutte’s announcement marks a new phase of Moscow’s war with Kyiv, as Pyongyang seeks to assist Vladimir Putin in retaking territory.
Ukraine war briefing: Russia plans to send North Korean troops into battle as early as Sunday, Zelenskiyy says
Ukraine president urged world leaders to pile ‘tangible pressure’ on Pyongyang as South Korea urges Russia to stop its ‘illegal cooperation’ with North Korea. What we know on day 976Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has warned that Russia was pla…
North Korean troops at Russia’s side illustrate Pyongyang’s new global ambitions
At a time when North Korea has made South Korea its main enemy, Pyongyang and Moscow have promised mutual assistance ‘in the event of aggression.’
‘Blood alliance’: why South Korea fears North’s involvement in Ukraine war
News that troops from North Korea could be joining Russians on the battlefield in Ukraine has caused deep concern in SeoulThe video is grainy but the message is clear. The clip, posted by NK News, purports to show North Korean soldiers in green fatigue…
US says there is evidence of North Korean troops in Russia
South Korean officials say North has so far sent 3,000 troops out of a promised 10,000 to support Russia’s war in UkraineThe US has said for the first time that it has seen evidence of North Korean troops in Russia, and South Korean lawmakers have said…
US and NATO confirm North Korean troops are now in Russia
If they’re going to join Vladimir Putin’s war in Ukraine on Moscow’s side, that is “a very, very serious issue,” said Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin.
At last a passport for Britain’s (probably) favourite bear
PRESS REVIEW – Wednesday, October 23: South Korea mulls its response as North Korea cements its war coalition with Russia. In other news, an Arab News/YouGov poll shows Donald Trump leading among Arab-American voters. Also, do Western gorillas have de…
Zelenskyy asks allies to act on reports of North Korean troops helping Russia
Ukraine’s president cites reports of up to 12,000 troops training for deployment with Putin’s forces, calls for “firm, concrete response.”
Kim Jong Un’s sister calls Ukraine and South Korea ‘bad dogs bred by the US’
Kim Yo Jong threatens destruction following the claims of North Korean troops in Russia.
South Korea mulls aiding Ukraine amid reports North Korea to assist Russia
Seoul signals its most proactive position towards arming Ukraine to dateSouth Korea is considering directly supplying weapons to Ukraine as evidence increases that North Korean soldiers are preparing to assist Russia in its war against Ukraine.South Ko…
US consults allies about North Korea troops in Ukraine
South Korea’s spy agency said last week that North Korea had shipped 1,500 special forces troops to Russia’s Far East for training and acclimatising at military bases and that they were likely to be deployed for combat in Ukraine.
North Korean troop claims revive talk of EU ‘boots on the ground’ in Ukraine
Lithuania’s foreign minister tells POLITICO it’s time to revisit the idea of deploying EU troops to support Kyiv.
North Korean arms more significant than troops in Russia’s war against Ukraine
Intelligence builds that members of Pyongyang’s special forces are in Russia preparing for combat as munitions are also shippedUkraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, got to the point in his presidential address last night: “Another state,” he said, …
Get North Korean troops out of Putin’s war now, Seoul warns Moscow
South Korea summoned Russia’s envoy to protest against Pyongyang’s participation in war on Ukraine.
South Korea to brief NATO on North Korean troops in Russia
Pyongyang is sending up to 10,000 troops to Moscow, according to information from Seoul and Kyiv.
South Korea asks Russia to stop apparent North Korean troop deployment
Seoul calls in ambassador amid concerns about Pyongyang’s involvement
South Korea summons Russian envoy over North Korean troop deployment
Seoul demands immediate withdrawal of elite soldiers reportedly helping Russia in its war against UkraineSouth Korea has summoned the Russian ambassador to Seoul to protest “in the strongest terms” about the reported dispatch of thousands of North Kore…
Ukraine war briefing: Power cuts in Kharkiv after Russian strikes
Residential buildings and service stations were among targets, say local officials; Russian grip tightens around Pokrovsk with battles in nearby Selydove. What we know on day 971See all our Russia-Ukraine war coverageRussian strikes on Kharkiv wounded …
North Korean troops in Ukraine war called ‘huge’ escalation risk
South Korea’s National Intelligence Service said on Friday that North Korea had already deployed 1,500 special forces troops to Russia.
Claims of North Korean military support for Russia’s war in Ukraine ‘very worrying’, France says
South Korea’s intelligence service on Friday released satellite images it said showed the first deployment of 1,500 elite North Korean special forces soldiers to the port city of Vladivostok in Russia’s Far East. Ukraine responded by asking its allies…
Videos appear to show North Korean troops at Russian military base
South Korea has warned that Pyongyang plans to step up its involvement in the Kremlin’s war.
N Korea sends troops to fight with Russia: Seoul
The first 1,500 troops arrive in Russia ahead of going to Ukraine, South Korea’s spy agency has said.
North Korean troops have arrived in Russia to fight Ukraine, says Seoul
Russian navy ships reportedly transferred 1,500 forces to Vladivostok, where they are being trainedSouth Korea’s intelligence agency said on Friday that North Korea has dispatched troops to assist Russia in its war against Ukraine, a development that c…
North Korean troops helping Putin is a ‘grave’ threat to the world, Seoul says
South Korea says 12,000 troops from the North have already been deployed to Russia.
N Korea sends troops to fight with Russia: Seoul
The first 1,500 troops arrive in Russia ahead of going to Ukraine, South Korea’s spy agency has said.
CRINK: It’s the new ‘Axis of Evil’
The alliance among China, Russia, Iran and North Korea is forcing NATO to tighten links with Indo-Pacific countries.
NATO pledges money — not membership — as Zelenskyy brings victory plan to Brussels
Secretary-General Mark Rutte isn’t giving a clear answer to Kyiv’s demand for a speedy invitation to join the alliance.
Are North Korean troops joining Russia’s war in Ukraine?
Russia says no, but Ukraine and South Korea point to a deepening relationship between Pyongyang and Moscow.
North Korea blows up inter-Korean road, railroad, South Korea fires warning shots
Pyongyang has been taking steps to sever inter-Korean ties, redefining the South as a separate, hostile enemy state, since leader Kim Jong Un declared it a “primary foe” early this year and said unification was no longer possible.
North Korean soldiers are likely dying for Putin in Ukraine, Seoul says
“More North Korean troops could be deployed in the war,” warns South Korean defense minister.
Nuclear tender in Czechia: EDF asks Commission to open foreign subsidies investigation
The European Commission confirms receipt of a letter from EDF concerning Czechia’s award of a tender to build two nuclear reactors to South Korea’s KHNP.
How the Israel-Hamas war sidelined other world hot spots
Every administration has to readjust to respond to world events, but the Israel-Hamas conflict has been particularly disruptive to Biden’s other foreign policy efforts.
Europe has a real defense commissioner — just not one appointed by Ursula von der Leyen
The boss of Germany’s largest arms producer is a power player in Europe’s scramble to rearm.
British government split over new-look Brexit deal
Keir Starmer travels to Brussels with the prospect of a new youth mobility scheme high on the agenda.
Trump blasts Harris on Iran, says Biden administration is ‘leading us to brink of World War III’
It was his latest instance of using current events to slam the vice president — just one day after turning a visit to a community ravaged by Hurricane Helene into a political jab.
Biden administration moves to ban imports of Chinese ‘connected’ cars and parts
The Commerce Department is publishing a proposed rule today to ban imports of Chinese and Russian vehicles, as well as key hardware and software components, that could be used to spy on Americans or potentially even take control of their cars. “Cars today have cameras, microphones, GPS tracking, and other technologies connected to the internet,” […]