**Zelensky Asks China to Stop North Korean Help for Russia**
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has asked China to use its influence with North Korea to stop the deployment of North Korean soldiers on the frontlines. He made this appeal in his evening address on December 27.
According to Zelensky, North Korean soldiers have suffered heavy losses in Ukraine’s Kursk Oblast. He described reports of these soldiers being sent into poorly protected assaults by Russian forces and sometimes even executed by their own people. Zelensky called this situation “a manifestation of the madness that dictatorships are capable of.”
**China and Russia’s Relationship**
Zelensky made his appeal to China because Beijing has strengthened its ties with Russia since Ukraine was invaded in 2022. However, China has denied allegations of helping Russia’s war effort.
China’s relationship with Russia has grown closer, with Russian President Vladimir Putin visiting China twice this year. Chinese envoy Li Hui has also been involved in shuttle diplomacy efforts to mediate the conflict in Europe.
**Ukraine and NATO**
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said on December 27 that the alliance will increase its military presence in the Baltic Sea following damage to a power cable likely caused by Russia.
The US Agency for International Development (USAID) has delivered $485 million in humanitarian aid to Ukraine, while Ukrainian troops have thwarted a Russian attempt to gain control of one of its islands on the Dnipro River delta.
**Other Developments**
Ukraine has been preparing fortifications near the city of Zaporizhzhia in case of a potential Russian offensive. The country’s military intelligence agency (HUR) said an Azerbaijani Airlines plane crash was caused by external interference, likely from Russia.
Ukrainian forces have also prevented Russian troops from gaining control of one of its islands on the Dnipro River delta.
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