Overview

• Russian troops have captured the strategically significant town of Velyka Novosilka in the Donetsk region, following months of heavy fighting.
• The fall of Velyka Novosilka and nearby towns highlights Ukraine's challenges in maintaining manpower and supplies in the eastern front.
• North Korean soldiers, estimated at 12,000, have joined Russia’s forces, employing near-suicidal tactics and outdated battlefield strategies.
• Ukraine has reported capturing two North Korean soldiers and has gathered DNA evidence confirming their deployment on behalf of Moscow.
• Ukrainian military officials warn that Russia's continued advances in Donetsk could solidify territorial gains ahead of potential peace negotiations.