Russia Claims Strategic Gains in Ukraine as North Korean Troop Losses Reported

Putin asserts control over key territories, while Ukraine highlights involvement and setbacks of North Korean forces in Kursk region.

Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that Russian forces have captured 189 Ukrainian settlements and 4,500 square kilometers of territory in 2024, though these claims remain unverified.
Ukraine reported significant losses among North Korean soldiers fighting alongside Russian troops in the Kursk region, with at least 30 killed or injured during recent clashes.
North Korea has reportedly deployed up to 12,000 troops to Russia, sparking international condemnation and concerns over escalating military cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang.
Russia's defense spending now constitutes 32.5% of its national budget, with plans to expand recruitment and introduce advanced weapons systems in the coming year.
NATO leaders, including Ukraine's Zelensky and European heads of state, are set to meet this week to discuss bolstering Ukraine's defenses ahead of potential negotiations with Russia.