North Korea and Russia’s Bond Strengthened in New Year’s Message
Kim Jong-un, the leader of North Korea, emphasized the deep connection between his country and Russia in a New Year’s greeting to Vladimir Putin. In a statement released by the state-owned KCNA news agency, Kim referred to 2025 as a “paramount year” for their alliance, forged through “shared blood, life, and death in the same trench.” North Korea confirmed in April its troop deployment to aid Russia’s military operations in Ukraine, noting that members of its military had faced casualties in combat. Additionally, earlier this month, Pyongyang disclosed that some troops were sent to clear mines in Russia’s Kursk region in August 2025.
Explosions Rock Kyiv Amid Missile Threats
Kyiv experienced powerful explosions on Saturday as officials alerted citizens to potential missile strikes. Mayor Vitali Klitschko warned via Telegram, “Explosions in the capital. Air defense forces are in action. Stay in shelters!” Ukraine’s air force issued a nationwide air alert on Saturday morning, reporting that drones and missiles were detected across several regions, including the capital. Journalists from Agence France-Presse in Kyiv reported hearing significant explosions, with flashes illuminating the night sky. A military Telegram channel indicated that both cruise and ballistic missiles were being deployed in the city.
Russia Blames EU for Hampering Peace Agreement
Moscow has accused the EU of attempting to undermine a peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine ahead of a scheduled meeting between Zelenskyy and Donald Trump in Florida. Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov remarked that the proposal crafted with input from Zelenskyy “differs radically” from earlier discussions between U.S. and Russian officials. He stated that the success of reaching an agreement hinges on the political will of the involved parties and criticized Kyiv and its European supporters for intensifying efforts to disrupt the negotiations. Ryabkov stressed that resolving the underlying issues of the crisis is essential for any definitive agreement.
Zelenskyy Accuses Russia of Utilizing Belarusian Infrastructure
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has accused Russia of using residential buildings in Belarus to strike Ukrainian targets. He noted on Telegram that Russian forces are trying to bypass Ukrainian defenses through Belarus. Zelenskyy revealed that Ukrainian intelligence observed equipment near the border being prepared for attacks from Belarusian settlements. He condemned the positioning of antennas and other gear on the roofs of five-story apartment buildings, which assist in directing drones towards Ukrainian regions, labeling this as a blatant disregard for civilian safety.
Possible Deployment of Hypersonic Missiles in Belarus
Researchers from the U.S. suggest that Moscow may be deploying new Oreshnik nuclear-capable hypersonic missiles at a former airbase in eastern Belarus. Jeffery Lewis and Decker Eveleth based their claims on satellite imagery from Planet Labs, indicating signs of a Russian strategic missile base. They expressed a 90% certainty that mobile Oreshnik launchers would be stationed at this base near Krichev, approximately 307 km east of Minsk. Their analysis of recent satellite images showed signs of hasty construction that began between early to mid-August, with one notable feature being a military-grade rail transfer point protected by a security fence.
Russia Claims Territory Gains in Zaporizhzhia Region
On Friday, Russia’s defense ministry announced the capture of a village in the southeastern Zaporizhzhia region. They reported seizing the village of Kosivtseve, located north of Huliaipole, which has faced intense Russian military pressure recently. The ministry stated that Russian forces had secured over 23 square kilometers of territory in taking the village, thereby granting the eastern combat group a strategic position for further offensive maneuvers. Additionally, they mentioned deploying drones to obstruct incoming Ukrainian reinforcements in Huliaipole.
