**North Korean Troops to Join Russia’s Victory Day Parade**
For the first time in history, North Korean soldiers will participate in Russia’s Victory Day parade on May 9. The Japanese broadcaster NHK World reported this on January 16, citing undisclosed Russian sources.
Russia has been deepening its ties with North Korea since launching its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Last fall, Pyongyang sent troops to Russia’s Kursk Oblast to help Moscow against Ukrainian forces.
**Victory Day Celebrations**
Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov announced on January 15 that military personnel from 19 “friendly” countries have been invited to the Victory Day parade. NHK’s sources said tens of North Korean personnel will participate in the commemoration of World War II victory.
A North Korean military band is also reportedly set to perform at a music event in Moscow in late August, marking the first time North Korean military representatives will take part in such events in Russia.
**Other News**
The International Register of Damage for Ukraine has started accepting applications from families who lost close relatives due to Russia’s invasion. The register covers compensation for damage in various sectors, including military, energy, scientific, cultural, economic, and others.
At least three drones hit a Russian facility, causing a large-scale fire. Russia claimed it had damaged ground facilities at one of Ukraine’s largest natural gas storage sites during a series of missile and drone attacks on January 15.
Ukrainian forces downed 34 out of 55 drones launched by Russia overnight. Another 18 were “lost,” according to the Air Force report.
**International Support**
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer arrived in Kyiv on January 16 amid an unannounced visit to Ukraine’s capital, where he is set to sign a wide-ranging “100 Year Partnership” treaty with President Volodymyr Zelensky.