Ukraine’s military intelligence (HUR) reported that Russia transports North Korean soldiers into the frontlines via trucks with civilian plates.
The announcement comes after reports from U.S. officials and Ukrainian officials that a North Korean contingent is heading to Russia’s Kursk Oblast in order to help Moscow counter Ukraine’s offensive there.
HUR reported that Russian police officers stopped a Kamaz truck on the Kursk – Voronezh highway on October 27. The truck had civilian license plates, HUR stated via its official Telegram channel. The vehicle was reported to be loaded with North Korean soldiers, but the driver lacked combat orders.
According to audio published by HUR, in an intercepted radio conversation, officers of Russia’s Separate Marine Brigade 810th are trying to solve the problem of a stopped truck. The unit expected to receive reinforcements from North Korea via the Kamaz truck.
The audio recording shows the officers discussing the reason the truck was stopped along the highway between Kursk and Voronezh, as well as why the driver did not have proper documentation.
HUR’s report indicates North Korean troops are on the way to Russian units. This is in line with President Volodymyr Zelensky’s announcement on October 25 that Russia plans to send its first North Korean soldiers into a combat zone between Oct. 27 and 28.
In recent days, both Russia and North Korea have changed their language from denial to justification.
On Oct. 24, Russian President Vladimir Putin indirectly acknowledged the presence in Russia of North Korean soldiers, responding to claims about satellite imagery by saying “if there are any images, they reflect some thing” and citing Pyongyang’s defense treaty.
The North Korean Foreign Ministry said on October 25 that any decision made to send troops to Russia will comply with international law.
Estimates of the number sent to the Ukraine/Russia frontline have varied. U.S. officials had estimated that around 3,000 North Korean soldiers were training in Russia. However, National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby said the total number could be higher.
South Korean intelligence informed lawmakers that the number of North Korean troops in Russia could reach 10,000 before December. Kyiv said Pyongyang had sent 12,000 soldiers to Russia, including 500 officer and three generals.
HUR reported that Russian police officers stopped a Kamaz truck on the Kursk-Voronezh Highway on October 27. The truck had civilian license plates. The vehicle was reported to be loaded with North Korean soldiers.
“During our observations, we noted the instances of vote buying and dual voting before and during the elections, especially in the rural areas,” said Ioanbulai, the leader of the delegation of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe.
In an interview with state media published on October 27, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that the Russian Defense Ministry was considering “various options,” as a possible response if Ukraine launches a long-range strike against Russia, backed by the West.
Andriy Yeermak, the head of the Presidential Office, told Corriere della sera that Ukraine will finalize their formula by November.
Vladyslav Voloshyn, spokesperson for the Southern Defense Forces, said on air that Ukrainian forces are still holding all the dominant heights in Zaporizhzhia oblast near Levadne and are trying to restore their positions.
Andriy Yeermak, Corriere della Sera, said that (President Volodymyr Zelensky) is very clear. He wants all soldiers and refugee abroad to be allowed to vote. “But for the moment, resources must be directed to the war.”
The regional prosecutor’s said that Russian soldiers in Selydove, a town in Donetsk Oblast, have opened fire on civilians at least twice, killing two women and injuring another, the office stated on October 27.
Andrii Sybiha will end his tour of the Middle East and Africa with a visit to Johannesburg and Pretoria. He is seeking to strengthen ties, and drum up support for Ukraine’s peace formula.
According to the central electoral commission, Georgia’s ruling Georgian Dream Party captured 54.3% in the Oct. 26, parliamentary elections, with more than 99% of precincts being counted.
Former Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia of the opposition Gakharia For Georgia Party said that the results announced “does not reflect the will” of the Georgian population and called for “reasonable protests” to “defend European future and the institution” of elections.
Bloomberg reported on October 25, citing unnamed sources, that Germany and France doubt the EU diplomatic service’s proposal to circumvent Hungary’s veto over 6 billion euros ($6.6billion) in defense aid for Kyiv.
A drone struck the Michurinsky District of the region around 0:40 am local time and caused a fire, which was quickly put out, Governor Maxim Egorov stated on his Telegram channel.
The Air Force reported that Ukrainian air defenses destroyed 41 of the 80 Russian Shahed drones launched overnight. The statement stated that 32 drones were lost in Ukraine and one flew towards Belarus.
According to Ukrainian authorities, the casualties of the Russian missile attack on Dnipro’s central-east city Dnipro that hit residential buildings as well as the Mechnikov Hospital late on October 25 have risen to 5 dead and 21 injured.
This includes 1,440 casualties that Russian forces have suffered in the last day.
The chief of the national police in the country said that on October 24, Moscow had funneled $39 million into a scheme run by a pro Russian oligarch to influence election results by paying ordinary people to vote against closer relations with the West.
The Strategic Industries Ministry announced that on October 26, Herman Smetanin, Ukraine’s Minister of Strategic Industries, met with India Ambassador to Ukraine Ravi Shankar to discuss strengthening defence industry cooperation between Kyiv & New Delhi.
Windsor Star, a Canadian media outlet, reported on October 26 that Ukrainian-Canadian film-makers pulled their pro Ukrainian film “Intercepted”, from the Windsor International Film Festival in protest. They learned that it was to be screened alongside the controversial documentary “Russians at War”.
Mahuchikh, who accepted her award, said: “It is a very special moment for me because of the difficult time that Ukraine is going through.” “But, you’re right, I’m happy to be here…for all my people in Ukraine and I hope it brings some joy during this time.”
On October 25, President Volodymyr Zelensky signed a law allowing foreign volunteers to serve as officers in Ukraine’s International Legion.
During his evening speech on October 26, President Volodymyr Zelensky warned that North Korean forces may appear on the front lines fighting alongside Russian forces in the coming weeks.
On Oct. 26, the ruling Georgian Dream Party, led by billionaire Bidzina Ilvanishvili, and groups that aimed to end its 12-year rule, declared victory.
On Oct. 26, footage was released of a person stuffing the ballot box in the southern Georgian town of Marnueli.
Read More @ kyivindependent.com