U.S. confirms arrival of North Korean troops in Russia. According to Reuters, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has confirmed the arrival of North Korean troops in Russia, though their exact role remains uncertain. Meanwhile, Ukraine’s military intelligence chief, Kyrylo Budanov, revealed that 11,000 North Korean soldiers are currently stationed in eastern Russia, reportedly preparing to join the fight against Ukraine. Intelligence further indicates that North Korea plans to send an additional 12,000 troops, including elite special forces units, to bolster Russia’s war efforts. Satellite imagery has also captured the movement of North Korean forces into Russian territory. In response to this growing international involvement, South Korea is now weighing the possibility of deploying its own military personnel to Ukraine.
Latvian Speaker hopeful for Ukraine’s NATO invitation; Finnish President calls membership ‘inevitable’. The Speaker of the Latvian Parliament, Daiga Mieriņa, expressed hope that at next year’s NATO summit, member states will make a “political decision” to invite Ukraine to join the Alliance. Following her meeting with Ukrainian Speaker Ruslan Stefanchuk on 23 October, Mieriņa highlighted that Ukraine’s NATO membership is a vital part of its victory plan and essential for long-term security in Europe, stating that “Ukraine’s membership in NATO could become the strongest guarantee against another Russian aggression.” Additionally, Finnish President Alexander Stubb has stated that Ukraine’s invitation to join NATO is ‘inevitable’, though the exact timing remains unclear. In an interview with DW, he remarked, “Eventually, Ukraine will become a member of NATO—when, we don’t know, but this invitation will be inevitable.” Stubb also highlighted Finland’s commitment to supporting Ukraine, noting that the country “hears” President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s appeals: “His message is that Ukraine needs weapons, and Ukrainians don’t need restrictions on using those weapons. That’s why Finland has imposed no limits on the arms Ukraine can receive from us.”
France to supply Ukraine with Mirage 2000-5 jets in early 2025. According to La Tribune, France will supply Ukraine with three Mirage 2000-5 fighter jets equipped with Scalp cruise missiles and AASM bombs in early 2025. The French defence ministry confirmed the delivery, which is designed to enhance Ukraine’s air-to-ground combat strength. Set for the first quarter of 2025, the transfer allows time for necessary modifications and the training of Ukrainian pilots and mechanics. This development marks a significant step in France’s military support for Ukraine, demonstrating increased international aid and collaboration to bolster Ukraine’s defence capabilities against Russian aggression.
Russian forces launch assault on Selydove in the Donetsk region. According to Suspilne Donbas, Russian forces have launched an assault on Selydove in the Donetsk region from multiple directions on the Pokrovsk front, reaching the southern outskirts without using military equipment. Vitaliy Milovydov, spokesperson for the 15th Brigade of the National Guard of Ukraine with a call sign ‘Kara-Dag’, stated that the attack began Monday morning with large numbers of infantry and additional reserves have since been deployed. The assault followed heavy artillery fire, with Russian troops focusing on securing the southern outskirts and advancing into the city despite significant losses.
Zelensky outlines a new wartime plan to strengthen Ukraine’s position. According to BBC Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky is developing a new “wartime plan” by directing government officials to create an internal action plan aimed at helping Ukraine endure the ongoing conflict. This initiative complements his earlier victory plan rather than replacing it. Several government sources have indicated that the new document will focus on internal decisions across various sectors, including the defence industry, military strategy, the economy, and social policy. Unlike the victory plan, which is geared toward Western partners, this new approach will outline the steps Ukraine itself needs to take. “The president has already instructed the development of this plan,” a source from Zelensky’s team reported, noting that it is expected to be prepared and presented to the Ukrainian people by the end of the year. “The goal is to do everything possible to maintain unity and achieve results in various areas of the country’s development,” the BBC Ukraine source explained.
