South Korea’s National Intelligence Service (NIS) reported to lawmakers that approximately 4,700 North Korean soldiers—including 600 deaths—have been killed or wounded fighting in Ukraine alongside Russian forces. This figure, revealed in a closed-door briefing, represents a significant increase from previous estimates. The NIS stated that injured soldiers were repatriated between January and March, while deceased soldiers were cremated in Russia before the return of their remains. The high casualty count follows North Korea’s admission of troop deployment to assist Russia in the Kursk region, an action seemingly under a 2024 defense treaty.
Read More
In response to upcoming joint Russian-Belarusian military exercises, “Zapad 2025,” Poland and its NATO allies will conduct large-scale military exercises within Poland. These exercises follow concerns that Zapad, as in 2021, may serve as a prelude to further Russian aggression. Poland’s robust response will include both Polish and NATO forces, mirroring the scale of the past year’s Steadfast Defender 24 exercises. This heightened military posture reflects Poland’s increased defense spending and commitment to NATO deterrence.
Read More
Despite months of intense fighting and slow, incremental gains south of Pokrovsk, Russia’s attempt to capture the strategically important Ukrainian town has failed, according to a Ukrainian think tank head. Moscow’s advances have been thwarted by effective Ukrainian defenses, disrupting Russia’s planned summer offensive and timeline. High Russian casualties, consistent with their “meat grinder” tactics, underscore the failure. While Russia claims recent territorial gains, Ukraine reports repelling numerous attacks and maintains control of Pokrovsk.
Read More
President Putin’s unwavering demand for complete control over four partially occupied Ukrainian regions—Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson—has stalled U.S.-mediated ceasefire negotiations. This maximalist position, rejecting a U.S. proposal to freeze hostilities along current front lines, necessitates direct communication between Presidents Putin and Trump to overcome the impasse. The Kremlin’s refusal to compromise, despite U.S. proposals including security guarantees and sanctions relief for Ukraine, has led to significant frustration within the White House and prompted calls for a tougher approach from European allies. The failure to achieve a permanent ceasefire by the initial April 30 deadline underscores the significant challenges in reaching a peace agreement.
Read More
France has formally accused Russia’s military intelligence, specifically the GRU’s APT28 group (also known as Fancy Bear), of conducting a wide-ranging cyberattack campaign targeting French interests. This campaign included the 2017 hacking of Emmanuel Macron’s presidential campaign, the 2015 attack on TV5Monde, and recent intrusions into organizations involved in the 2024 Paris Olympics and various other sectors. The attacks, which aimed to manipulate public opinion and gather strategic intelligence, have been ongoing since at least 2021. France, in conjunction with international partners, vows to counter this malicious cyber activity.
Read More
President Zelensky warned of potential Russian military aggression this summer, disguised as joint military exercises with Belarus, citing historical precedent. These exercises, particularly Zapad 2025, could serve as cover for assembling offensive forces, mirroring the lead-up to the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Commander-in-Chief Syrskyi corroborated this assessment, highlighting the use of exercises for covert troop relocation and concentration. Zelensky’s concerns extend beyond Ukraine, with previous warnings of potential Russian offensives against NATO countries.
Read More
France’s recent accusation of repeated cyberattacks by Russian intelligence underscores a long-standing pattern of alleged Russian aggression against various European nations. This isn’t a new development; it’s the latest chapter in a seemingly ongoing saga of interference and destabilization efforts, encompassing a range of tactics far beyond the digital realm.
The accusations highlight a broader concern about the vulnerability of European nations to sophisticated cyber warfare. The fact that France, a significant European power, is explicitly naming Russia as the perpetrator suggests a level of confidence in the evidence gathered, possibly indicating the attacks were particularly brazen or damaging. The timing of these accusations also raises questions – is this a response to a specific, recent incident, or is it a culmination of long-simmering tensions that have finally reached a boiling point?… Continue reading
The body of Ukrainian journalist Viktoria Roshchyna, returned to Ukraine in February 2025 as part of a prisoner exchange, was found to be missing several internal organs, including her brain and eyeballs. A joint investigation revealed evidence suggesting post-mortem dissection and torture, including a bruised neck consistent with strangulation and a Russian document referencing “СПАС,” potentially masking the true cause of death. The missing organs hampered definitive determination of the cause of death, though ongoing investigations indicate a high probability of torture during her captivity in Russian-occupied territory. Ukrainian authorities are treating her death as a war crime.
Read More
A drone strike on April 28th targeted the Kremniy-El electronics plant in Bryansk, Russia, a facility crucial for Russian military hardware production. Bryansk Oblast Governor Alexander Bogomaz reported a large-scale drone attack, claiming 102 drones were intercepted. While Ukrainian official Andrii Kovalenko linked the attack to the plant, Ukrainian forces haven’t officially commented, and reports remain unverified. The attack caused fires, explosions, and civilian casualties, highlighting continued Ukrainian efforts to disrupt Russian military capabilities.
Read More
Germany’s commitment to providing military aid to Ukraine remains unwavering, even if US support ceases, as stated by Defence Minister Boris Pistorius. This commitment is rooted in the coalition agreement and driven by the understanding that a Russian victory would severely threaten European security, impacting NATO and neighboring countries. Pistorius rejected proposals for Ukrainian territorial concessions, deeming them tantamount to surrender. Recent aid includes four IRIS-T air defense systems, highlighting Germany’s continued investment in Ukraine’s defense.
Read More
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood