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South Korea supplying weapons to Ukraine directly unlikely given legal hurdles, experts say

9:14 PM

Why South Korean weapons are unlikely to be heading directly to Ukraine anytime soon

South Korea has hinted it could change its long-standing stance on not providing Ukraine directly with weapons in light of the dramatic escalation of North Korea's role in Russia's full-scale invasion. So far, Seoul has only provided humanitarian and non-lethal military aid to Kyiv, but on Oct. 22, a South

Russia's wartime economy delivers growth, but will the bubble burst?

8:54 PM

Russian Economy

Russia's wartime economy delivers growth, but will the bubble burst?

A draft budget submitted to the Russian parliament last month has outlined the Kremlin's plans to keep spending high in its wartime economy, with ambitions to maintain the steady levels of growth the country has seen since its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Surging government spending on war

8:16 PM

Ukraine has stabilized situation in Toretsk, but Russia is concentrating troops in town's east, military says.

"The situation in Toretsk has relatively stabilized. We (Ukrainian forces) are now holding the line unchanged," Anastasiia Bobovnikova, a spokesperson of the Operational Tactical Group Luhansk, said.

7:36 PM

About 3,000 North Korean troops were sent to Russia to participate in war against Ukraine, South Korean intelligence says.

"Signs of troops being trained inside North Korea were detected in September and October," Park Sun-won, a member of a parliamentary intelligence committee, said.

'Moscow is desperate' — Expert on North Korean troops in Russia

7:13 PM

Video

'Moscow is desperate' — Expert on North Korean troops in Russia.

The Kyiv Independent spoke with former U.K. Defense Attaché in Moscow, John Foreman CBE, about what this development might mean for the future of Russia's war and the global landscape.

6:46 PM

Ukraine's 'I Want to Live' project posts Korean-language video message, calls on North Korean soldiers to surrender.

Launched in September 2022 by Ukraine's Main Directorate of Intelligence, the 24-hour "I Want to Live" hotline helps Russian soldiers willingly surrender themselves or their units to the Ukrainian army.

5:53 PM

Ukraine denies Russia breached Chasiv Yar defense line following conflicting reports.

Hours prior, Ivan Petrychak, a representative of the 24th Mechanized Brigade's press service, said on national television that the Russian military managed to breach the defense, but there were no signs of the city's potential loss.

5:21 PM

Opinion

Opinion: Putin’s drone strategy shows the cracks in Russia’s war machine

Russia shot down one of its own drones — a large and stealthy S-70 — after it flew uncontrolled into Ukrainian territory in early October, sparking speculation about how Moscow lost control of this valuable asset so publicly. It’s an unforced error that will be keenly felt in Moscow, whose high

4:05 PM

North Korean troops dispatch was secret clause of Moscow-Pyongyang pact, WSJ reports.

The secret clause reportedly allowed North Korea to send the first 1,000 of its soldiers to Ukraine to gain military experience. More North Korean troops are expected to be engaged, the source told the WSJ.

4:01 PM

Opinion

Opinion: Ukraine’s war is the reckoning with empire Europe can no longer avoid

Thirty years ago, in a Ukrainian churchyard where my Russian ancestors are buried, I knelt beside a very old woman leaning on a stick, her hair covered in a black kerchief. Behind us stood the Russian church that my great-grandfather built on his estate and where he lies buried. The

3:43 PM

3 companies of Russian soldiers killed, injured in assaults on Selydove, National Guard says.

Ukraine's National Guard troops repelled 13 Russian assault attempts near the town of Selydove in Donetsk region over the past day, spokesperson Ruslan Muzychuk told Ukrainska Pravda on Oct. 23.

3:21 PM

Many Russians support Putin despite favoring opposing policies, survey shows.

Around 61% of Putin's supporters said they favored peace in Ukraine under mutual concessions, according to the poll conducted by the independent Levada Center between Sept. 10 and 17.

2:37 PM

France's first batch of Mirage 2000 jets for Ukraine to include 3 planes, media reports.

The planes will reportedly be equipment with ground strike capabilities, namely SCALP/Storm Shadow long-range missiles and French guided bombs AASM.

1:41 PM

North Korean troops are in Russia, US defense secretary confirms.

"There is evidence that there are DPRK troops in Russia," U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said.

1:33 PM

Georgia denies journalist entry to cover elections amid rising Russian influence.

Czech journalist Ray Baseley was denied entry to Georgia without an explanation after arriving at Tbilisi airport on Oct. 22 to cover the upcoming parliamentary elections.

1:17 PM

Ukraine receives $1.1 billion from IMF.

"The funds will be used to cover important non-military budget spending," PM Denys Shmyhal said.

1:06 PM

Ukraine Business Roundup — Losing Pokrovsk

The following is the Oct. 22, 2024 edition of our Ukraine Business Roundup weekly newsletter. To get the biggest news in business and tech from Ukraine directly in your inbox, subscribe here. As Russia makes its slow and steady advances in Ukraine’s eastern Donetsk Oblast, its troops are closing

1:00 PM

SBU says it foiled terror attack in Kyiv, detained suspects.

According to the SBU, the suspects reportedly planned to detonate improvised explosives in a crowded place in Ukraine's capital to cause "the maximum number of civilian deaths" and sow panic.

12:48 PM

UK to allocate $155 million for naval coalition to protect Ukraine's ports.

The U.K. is looking for partners to co-finance the supply of "hundreds" more naval drones as well as surveillance radars to protect Ukraine's grain corridor.

11:37 AM

Zelensky preparing action plan for Ukraine to withstand war, source says.

The document will address Ukraine's military, political, economic, and other areas, including certain decisions regarding law enforcement, a source close to the Presidential Office told the Kyiv Independent.

10:51 AM

Russia helping North Korea with sanctions evasion, nuclear technology in return for soldiers, arms, Budanov says.

Russia's support in nuclear capabilities includes providing technologies for smaller tactical nuclear weapons and submarine missile-launch systems, military intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov claimed.

10:12 AM

Russian attacks against Ukraine kill 5, injure 14 over past day.

Ukrainian air defenses shot down 57 of the 81 Shahed-type drones launched overnight, the Air Force reported. Fifteen drones were lost, and nine are still present in the Ukrainian airspace at the time of the publication.

10:00 AM

UN secretary general visits Russia for BRICS summit despite Kyiv's criticism.

"This is a wrong choice that does not advance the cause of peace. It only damages the U.N.'s reputation," Ukraine's Foreign Ministry said.

9:01 AM

US to continue to 'tighten the screws' on Russian LNG exports, senior official says.

"You can be assured that the Biden administration is going to continue to tighten the screws against Russia’s LNG exports," Jeffrey Pyatt, assistant Secretary of State for Energy Resources, said.

8:17 AM

General Staff: Russia has lost 683,040 troops since Feb. 24, 2022.

This number includes 1,460 casualties Russian forces suffered over the past day.

7:37 AM

Russia-linked disinformation campaign spreads false claims about Tim Walz, US intelligence officials say.

Russian disinformation groups have been linked to viral attacks targeting Democratic vice presidential candidate Tim Walz, a U.S. intelligence official said on Oct. 22.

5:21 AM

Turkey quietly curbs military goods exports to Russia following US warning, FT reports.

Turkey has quietly blocked the export of U.S.-origin military goods to Russia following a warning from Washington, the Financial Times (FT) reported on Oct. 22.

4:15 AM

Poland shuts down Russian Consulate in Poznan amid claims of sabotage.

"Russia is waging a hybrid war," Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski said on Oct. 22. "It is attempting sabotage on Polish territory."

2:04 AM

Ukraine's population dropped by 10 million after Russia's 2014 invasion, UN says.

Ukraine's birth rate is the lowest in Europe and the number of refugees has surged to 6.7 million, with the full-scale invasion of 2022 exacerbating an already dire decline, according to the U.N. Population Fund.

12:22 AM

Zelensky urges allies to increase pressure on North Korea.

Two North Korean brigades of up to 6,000 personnel each are currently undergoing training in Russia, Zelensky said in his evening address, citing military intelligence reports. "We expect a firm, concrete response from the world."

11:09 PM

North Korean troops to arrive in Kursk tomorrow, military intelligence says.

"We are waiting for the first units tomorrow in the Kursk direction," military intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov said, though he did not specify how many would be deployed.

10:53 PM

Putin, Xi discuss war in Ukraine at BRICS summit in Russia.

The leaders discussed Russia's war against Ukraine, the BRICS agenda, and bilateral relations. Russia hopes to increase cooperation with China on "all international platforms," Putin said.

News Feed

11:32 AM

Russia detains 8 teenagers accused of plotting attacks on police during Victory Day.

Russian authorities have detained nine residents of Stavropol Krai, accusing them of plotting an attack on security forces during May 9 celebrations, the Federal Security Service (FSB) said on May 19.

10:57 AM

France rejects Telegram CEO's accusations of Romanian election meddling.

Durov, a Russian-born founder of the Telegram messaging app who also holds French citizenship, claimed that a "Western European government" requested the company to "silence conservative voices in Romania ahead of today's presidential elections."

10:09 AM

Russian attacks kill 2, injure 13 in Ukraine over past 24 hours.

Ukrainian air defenses shot down 41 of the 112 Russian attack drones and other drones launched overnight, the Air Force said. Thirty-five drones were neutralized by electronic warfare systems, according to the statement.

10:02 AM

Ukrainian drones destroy Russian radar, supply depots on Black Sea gas platforms, SBU says.

An aerial drone first struck one of the platforms, followed by a naval drone that delivered a secondary hit.

9:14 AM

Thousands protest in Hungary against Russia-style bill targeting media, NGOs.

Protesters packed Kossuth Square outside Hungary's parliament, denouncing the bill as an attack on civil society and democratic freedoms.

9:02 AM

US allows Australia to send Abrams tanks to Ukraine despite private objections, media reports.

Despite private protests, Washington eventually gave permission for Australia to begin shipping out the U.S.-made tanks to Ukraine, ABC reported.

8:30 AM

General Staff: Russia has lost 974,770 troops in Ukraine since Feb. 24, 2022.

The number includes 1,040 casualties Russian forces suffered just over the past day.

6:13 AM

Australian PM confirms Abrams tanks for Ukraine when meeting Zelensky in Rome.

President Volodymyr Zelensky and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese met in Rome on May 18 to discuss defense support for Ukraine, cooperation within the Coalition of the Willing, and increased pressure on Russia.

3:35 AM

Starmer, Western leaders call for unconditional Ukraine ceasefire ahead of Trump-Putin talks.

Ahead of U.S. President Donald Trump’s upcoming conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, European leaders also discussed the potential for additional sanctions should Russia fail to engage constructively in ceasefire negotiations.

1:24 AM

Poland heads to runoff between pro-EU Trzaskowski and Eurosceptic Nawrocki.

Warsaw Mayor Rafal Trzaskowski narrowly led Poland’s presidential election on May 18, according to exit polls, but failed to secure an outright victory.

10:35 PM

(Updated: May 19, 2025 12:03 am)

Nicusor Dan wins Romanian presidential election, defeating anti-Ukraine Simion.

In an anxiously watched race, Bucharest Mayor Nicusor Dan won the presidency against the far-right candidate George Simion, who is banned from entering both Ukraine and Moldova due to his extremist views.

11:43 PM

European leaders to speak with Trump before Putin call, Merz says.

French President Emmanuel Macron, U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz will speak to Trump before he calls Putin on the morning of May 19.

10:18 PM

Denmark announces nearly $600 million in military aid to Ukraine.

The package includes additional artillery and shells via the Czech ammunition initiative as well as equipment for fighter jets and funds for expanded training, the Danish Defense Ministry announced.

9:00 PM

War update

Ukraine war latest: Russia launches record 273-drone attack on Ukraine ahead of planned Trump-Putin call.

2:36 PM

(Updated: May 18, 2025 8:21 pm)

Zelensky meets Pope Leo XIV at Vatican.

Zelensky presented the pope with a special icon, "Mother of God with Child," painted on a fragment of a box that held heavy artillery in the war-torn town of Izium.

7:55 PM

Russia detains oil tanker leaving Estonian port.

"Today's incident shows that Russia continues to behave unpredictably," Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said. Estonia will redirect port traffic through its own territorial waters.

7:03 PM

Trump growing impatient with Russia, Finnish president says.

"If you put it together, you could say that Zelensky is patient and President Trump is getting impatient, but in the right direction, which is towards Russia," Finnish President Alexander Stubb said after holding separate talks with both Trump and Zelensky this weekend.

6:15 PM

Europe 'far from' discussing foreign troop deployment to Ukraine, Merz says.

"There is no reason to talk about (troops) at the moment, we are far from that. We want the weapons to stop, the killing to end," German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said.

6:03 PM

Zelensky meets Vance for first time since Oval Office showdown, discuss Istanbul peace talks, sanctions on Russia.

"During our talks we discussed negotiations in Istanbul to where the Russians sent a low level delegation of non-decision-makers," Zelensky wrote on X.

5:01 PM

Ukraine's General Staff responds after accusations of 'stupid objectives' from 47th Brigade battalion commander.

The move follows the resignation of Oleksandr Shyrshyn, commander of the 47th Separate Mechanized Brigade.

4:51 PM

Investigations

Investigation: Uncovering the secret Russian FSB operation to loot Ukraine's museums.

3:44 PM

(Updated: May 18, 2025 4:44 pm)

Russia plans 'training' launch of Yars intercontinental ballistic missile overnight on May 19, Ukraine's HUR claims.

According to Ukraine's military intelligence (HUR), the move is intended to intimidate Ukraine, as well as EU and NATO member states.

3:52 PM

New clips from Putin documentary suggest Russia dismissed Ukraine peace talks, ceasefire weeks ago.

The comments — publicly withheld until now — come nearly four months into U.S. President Donald Trump's push for a ceasefire.

3:47 PM

Video

Putin no-show at peace talks and new Russian offensive | Ukraine This Week.

In this week’s episode, the Kyiv Independent’s Anna Belokur breaks down the back-and-forth developments surrounding peace talks between Russia and Ukraine in Turkey. As negotiations stall, the battle rages on in multiple sectors of the front.

12:56 PM

(Updated: May 18, 2025 3:25 pm)

Eastern Europe

Poland, Romania presidential elections held amid Russian interference, far-right surge — what you need to know.

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