Russia says North Korean troops play a key role in de-mining its Kursk region, which immediately conjures up a series of unsettling images, doesn’t it? It’s hard not to feel a mixture of disbelief and dark humor when you hear about a supposed superpower leaning on North Korean troops for such a dangerous task. The narrative that emerges is stark: Russia, a nation often portrayed as a formidable military force, seems to be relying on a nation known for its isolation and internal issues for a critical operation.
It’s not hard to picture the scene. The reality of a minefield is terrifying, and the idea of sending troops in to clear them, knowing the risks, is nothing short of grim.… Continue reading
According to Vadym Skibitskyi, Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence deputy head, North Korea has significantly reduced its artillery shell shipments to Russia, with deliveries dropping by more than half in 2024 due to depleted stockpiles. Since 2023, approximately 6.5 million shells were delivered, with no deliveries recorded in September. Simultaneously, North Korea has ramped up the mass production of FPV drones and medium-range combat UAVs, utilizing their experiences in the ongoing conflict to expand production capabilities. Additionally, Russia is planning to recruit 12,000 North Korean workers for drone assembly and reports indicate that North Korean soldiers are fighting alongside Russian forces.
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At a recent meeting, European nations reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Ukraine. Germany pledged significant financial contributions to air-defense packages and plans to collaborate with the U.K. on joint procurement. France emphasized the need for sustained pressure on Russia, including stricter sanctions enforcement, while Italy detailed its ongoing civilian and military aid. Poland underscored the importance of Ukrainian resilience for European security, outlining substantial defense-industrial projects to further support Kyiv.
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A major corruption scandal involving Ukraine’s state-owned nuclear power company has emerged amid renewed Russian attacks on energy infrastructure, leading to a government crisis. Investigations by anti-corruption watchdogs, including wiretaps, revealed a kickback scheme involving approximately $100 million and implicated top officials, prompting President Zelenskyy to call for the dismissal of his justice and energy ministers, who subsequently resigned. The scandal has raised concerns among European partners providing aid, particularly after the emergence of evidence connecting a close associate of Zelenskyy to the alleged corruption and delayed fortification of energy sites. The anti-corruption investigation has also focused on potential connections to a drone manufacturer.
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The release of over twenty thousand pages of documents from Epstein’s files, subpoenaed by Congress, has sparked numerous new inquiries. These documents reveal Epstein’s extensive communication network, including exchanges with figures like Steve Bannon, Larry Summers, and even an attempt to relay a message about Trump to Russia’s foreign minister. While the unverified emails do not offer concrete proof of any wrongdoing, they fuel speculation about Trump’s relationship with Epstein and his possible interactions with foreign officials, especially Russia. The White House’s attempts at damage control, including labeling the situation a “hoax” and contradicting past statements, have only amplified the story, leading to further scrutiny.
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German Chancellor Friedrich Merz reportedly discussed the influx of young Ukrainian men into Germany with President Volodymyr Zelensky, advocating for them to return and serve in Ukraine. Following Russia’s full-scale invasion, Germany has taken in the most Ukrainian refugees within the EU, totaling nearly 1.3 million. The increase in young Ukrainian men seeking refuge in Germany has raised concerns amid Ukraine’s ongoing manpower shortages, particularly after Kyiv eased travel rules. Facing political pressure, the German government is also considering adjustments to benefits for Ukrainian refugees to encourage employment.
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According to Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence Directorate, Russia intends to recruit approximately 12,000 North Korean laborers to work at its drone production facilities by the end of 2025. These workers are slated for deployment in Alabuga, a special economic zone assembling Shahed- and Geran-type drones. The plan was reportedly discussed during a meeting between Russian officials and a North Korean state firm. Moscow has offered the imported workforce $2.50 per hour for shifts of at least 12 hours.
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Andrii Yermak, Head of the President’s Office, has asserted that President Zelenskyy is not involved in any corruption schemes within the energy sector, emphasizing Zelenskyy’s role in initiating the fight against corruption in Ukraine. Yermak highlighted that Zelenskyy must remain above suspicion, as he has supported independent investigations. However, Yermak also suggested that certain political entities may be leveraging anti-corruption investigations to undermine Ukraine’s leadership. Furthermore, he noted the importance of awaiting court decisions and investigation results before drawing any conclusions regarding those under investigation in the recent energy sector corruption case, which includes associates of the President.
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Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky recently showcased the “Long Neptune” cruise missile, a variant of the original R-360 Neptune, which boasts a range of up to 1,000 kilometers and is being actively used in combat against Russia. This domestically produced missile allows Ukraine to strike deeper into Russian territory, a strategic move aimed at pressuring the Kremlin and targeting critical assets like oil facilities. Simultaneously, Ukraine is also ramping up the production of its new “Flamingo” cruise missile, which has an estimated range of 3,000 kilometers, to further enhance its long-range strike capabilities. These developments come amid ongoing conflict, with recent overnight strikes by Russia targeting Kyiv and other regions, resulting in casualties and prompting responses from both sides.
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Newly released emails reveal that Jeffrey Epstein offered to provide the Kremlin with insights into Donald Trump prior to the 2018 Helsinki summit. Epstein suggested he could help Russia understand Trump’s motivations and offered to facilitate communication between Trump and Putin through Sergei Lavrov. The emails also show a former US Treasury Secretary expressing concern about Trump’s behavior at the summit. While the White House maintains the emails prove nothing, they shed light on the complex relationship between Epstein and Trump, as well as the latter’s interactions with Russia.
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Matt Underwood 
John Q. Hosedrinker