South Korea has issued a stern condemnation of North Korea's alleged deployment of troops to Russia, amid reports that these forces are being prepared for potential engagement in Ukraine. The South Korean government has demanded their immediate withdrawal, citing significant security threats. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte echoed these concerns, warning of a substantial escalation if North Korean soldiers participate in the conflict alongside Russian forces.
The tensions come as Moldova faces political turmoil, with accusations of Russian interference in a narrowly decided referendum aimed at aligning the country with the European Union. Moldovan President Maia Sandu has denounced the manipulation, attributing it to criminal entities seeking to destabilize the region.
Meanwhile, Ukraine continues to grapple with Russian military aggression. The Ukrainian military reported successes in intercepting Russian drones but acknowledged the challenges posed by continued missile attacks. In a separate development, Ukraine claims to have destroyed a depot of Shahed drones in Russia, which could significantly impact Russian drone operations.
Amid these developments, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin made a surprise visit to Kyiv, reaffirming the United States' commitment to supporting Ukraine amidst growing international tensions.
