Trade growth between China and Russia has continued to slow after a year of rapid expansion, as settlement becomes a bigger obstacle amid secondary sanctions from the United States over Russia’s war in Ukraine.

Russia-Ukraine War: Tracking Russia's Resilience Amid War

As winter approaches Ukraine faces a dangerous new phase of the war. Russian strikes on energy infrastructure have crippled power supplies in Ukraine. President Zelensky is seeking urgent help from Western allies. Watch in for more details!

Russia-Ukraine War: Russian Artillery Targets Sumy, Donetsk, And Zaporizhzhia Regions

As the war rages on between Russia and Ukraine, speculations of North Korea sending its troops to fight the war alongside Russia have been doing the rounds off late. The NATO Chief and world leaders raised concerns of how this potential alliance could raise significant escalation. Watch in for more details!

Russia-Ukraine War: Pyongyang Sending Troops Would Mark Significant Escalation: Rutte

At the 2024 BRICS Summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the importance of dialogue and diplomacy in addressing global challenges. He urged member nations to collaborate on issues such as trade, security, and sustainable development, highlighting the need for a unified approach to foster stability and growth. Modi's call reflects India's commitment to strengthening multilateral cooperation within the BRICS framework.

BREAKING: PM Modi Calls For Dialogue and Diplomacy At BRICS Summit 2024

North Korea has started sending troops to fight with Russia in Ukraine, South Korea's spy agency has said as Seoul warned of a "grave security threat".

North Korea Sends 1,500 Troops To Russia: Reports

The Iranian made drones have caused a lot of damage in Ukraine. Reports claim that Russia launches 30 to 80 Shahed drones against Ukrainian cities each day but a report suggests that Ukraine is now developing the Shahed Hunter -- a weapon capable of intercepting these Kamikaze drones. Watch in for more details!

Russia-Ukraine War: Ukraine Developing 'The Shahed Hunter' Weapon To Counter Russia

North Korea has started sending troops to fight with Russia in Ukraine, South Korea's spy agency has said as Seoul warned of a "grave security threat". Watch this report for more details!

Russia-Ukraine War: Pyongyang's Entry New Dimension to Russia-Ukraine War?

<p>Russia said Friday that it had swapped 95 Ukrainian soldiers held captive for an equal number of Russian troops in an exchange deal brokered by the United Arab Emirates.</p>

<p>"As a result of the negotiation process, 95 Russian servicemen were returned from territory controlled by the Kyiv regime," the Russian defence ministry said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"In return, 95 Ukrainian army&nbsp;prisoners&nbsp;of war were handed over," it said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kyiv has not confirmed the exchange but the human rights centre Zmina said a prominent Ukrainian rights activist, Maksym Butkevych, was freed in the swap, citing his father.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Butkevych, co-founder of the independent Hromadske radio station and also a Ukraine serviceman, was serving a 13-year sentence on charges of wounding two civilians while firing an anti-tank grenade launcher in the eastern city of Severodonetsk.</p>

<p>He joined the Ukrainian army in March 2022, was detained in June and convicted of war crimes by a court in Lugansk in Russian-controlled eastern Ukraine in March 2023.</p>

<p>Despite ongoing hostilities, Russia and Ukraine have swapped hundreds of&nbsp;prisoners&nbsp;since the launch of Moscow's offensive in 2022, often in deals brokered by the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia or Turkey.</p>

<p>The last reported swap was in September, when 206 POWs were exchanged, in a deal also mediated by the UAE.</p>

<p>Earlier Friday, Kyiv said it had received the bodies of 501 soldiers killed fighting Russian forces, mainly in eastern Ukraine, as a result of repatriation measures.</p>

<p>Russian lawmaker Shamsail Saraliyev told the RBK media outlet that Russia received 89 bodies of its soldiers in return.</p>

<p><em>Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION&nbsp;audience.</em><br />
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Russia said Friday that it had swapped 95 Ukrainian soldiers held captive for an equal number of Russian troops in an exchange deal brokered by the United Arab Emirates.

Russia said Friday that it had swapped 95 Ukrainian soldiers held captive for an equal number of Russian troops in an exchange deal brokered by the United Arab Emirates. "As a result of the negotiation process, 95 Russian servicemen were returned from territory controlled by the Kyiv regime," the Russian defence ministry said. "In return, 95 Ukrainian army prisoners of war were handed over," it said. Kyiv has not confirmed the exchange but the human rights centre Zmina said a prominent Ukrainian rights activist, Maksym Butkevych, was freed in the swap, citing his father. Butkevych, co-founder of the independent Hromadske radio station and also a Ukraine serviceman, was serving a 13-year sentence on charges of wounding two civilians while firing an anti-tank grenade launcher in the eastern city of Severodonetsk. He joined the Ukrainian army in March 2022, was detained in June and convicted of war crimes by a court in Lugansk in Russian-controlled eastern Ukraine in March 2023. Despite ongoing hostilities, Russia and Ukraine have swapped hundreds of prisoners since the launch of Moscow's offensive in 2022, often in deals brokered by the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia or Turkey. The last reported swap was in September, when 206 POWs were exchanged, in a deal also mediated by the UAE. Earlier Friday, Kyiv said it had received the bodies of 501 soldiers killed fighting Russian forces, mainly in eastern Ukraine, as a result of repatriation measures. Russian lawmaker Shamsail Saraliyev told the RBK media outlet that Russia received 89 bodies of its soldiers in return. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Russia, Ukraine swap 190 prisoners of war in deal brokered by UAE

Moldova votes on Sunday in the first round of a landmark Presidential Election. The vote and the elected contestant it could either pave the way for Moldova to become a part of the EU block or see the Eastern European nation pulled back into Russia's Orbit. Watch in for more details!

Crucial Election In Moldova: Will Moldova Firm Up Pro-EU Trajectory?

Ukrainian President Zelensky has pitched his victory plan to European Union and NATO leaders. They pledged continued support for Kyiv but it did not endorse the call for an immediate invitation to join the NATO. Watch in for more details!

Russia-Ukraine War: NATO Says Ukraine Can't Join While At War

Volodymyr Zelensky told allies Thursday that Ukraine must be in a position of strength before any peace talks with Russia, as he explained his "victory plan" to EU leaders and NATO defense chiefs in Brussels.

Russia-Ukraine War: Zelensky's 'Victory Plan' Fails to Gain NATO Backing

US President Joe Biden announced a $425 million arms package for Kyiv Wednesday in a call with President Volodymr Zelensky, ahead of a meeting with European leaders in Berlin to discuss Ukraine, the White House said. On a call with Ukrainian President Biden stressed on his efforts to surge security assistance to Kyiv over the remainder of his term in office. remainder meaning Watch in for more details!

Russia-Ukraine War: Zelensky To Pitch 'Victory Plan' To EU, NATO

US President Joe Biden announced a $425 million arms package for Kyiv Wednesday in a call with President Volodymr Zelensky, ahead of a meeting with European leaders in Berlin to discuss Ukraine, the White House said. The package includes air defence and armoured vehicles, according to a readout of the call between US President Joe Biden and his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky. Watch in for more details!

Russia-Ukraine War: Biden To Hold Virtual Meeting Of Ukraine's Allies In November

US President Joe Biden announced a $425 million arms package for Kyiv Wednesday in a call with President Volodymr Zelensky, ahead of a meeting with European leaders in Berlin to discuss Ukraine, the White House said.

Russia-Ukraine War: Joe Biden Announces $425 Mn Ukraine Arms Package In Zelensky Call

<p>Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is unveiling his "Victory Plan" this week to Ukrainians at home and allies abroad, aiming to force Russia into a fair and lasting peace.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The text has not been made public and there are several sections that will remain "secret," but Zelensky addressed lawmakers in Kyiv and outlined its main points.</p>

<p>Here's what we know:</p>

<h2><strong>NATO membership</strong></h2>

<p>The priority, according to Zelensky's speech to lawmakers, is an invitation for Ukraine to join the US-led NATO defence alliance.</p>

<p>"For decades, Russia has exploited geopolitical uncertainty in Europe, specifically the fact that Ukraine is not a NATO member, and this is what tempted Russia to encroach on our security," Zelensky said.</p>

<p>The Ukrainian leader has repeatedly said NATO membership would not only boost his own country's security but that of Europe and the West as well.</p>

<h2><strong>Air defence systems, training of troops</strong></h2>

<p>A key point of the "Victory Plan" lies in Kyiv's allies giving it permission to strike military targets inside Russia with long-range weapons.</p>

<p>Zelensky said Ukraine must continue its ground operations in the Russian border region of Kursk, where it launched a surprise offensive in August, seizing swathes of territory.</p>

<p>He also said Ukraine's allies should continue to beef up his war-torn country's air defence systems to protect critical infrastructure and keep in place training programmes abroad for Ukrainian troops.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Non-nuclear deterrence</strong></h2>

<p>The third point revolves around preventing future Russian attacks. It is the least transparent and, according to Zelensky, contains a key "secret" annex that has been shared with leaders in the United States, Britain, France, Germany and Italy.</p>

<p>What Zelensky told lawmakers was that Ukraine wanted a "comprehensive non-nuclear strategic deterrence package" deployed on its territory.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The Russian leadership acts aggressively only when it is convinced that it will not receive an adequate destructive response," he said.</p>

<h2><strong>Economic strength</strong></h2>

<p>Zelensky told lawmakers that the fourth point centred on protecting Ukraine's natural resources "including critical metals worth trillions of US dollars."</p>

<p>He said there was a secret annex in this section too, which would only be shared with Ukraine's allies and urged Kyiv's Western partners to secure a "special agreement on joint protection of critical resources available in Ukraine and joint investment and use of the corresponding economic potential."</p>

<p>"This is an agreement that will organically complement and strengthen the existing system of economic pressure on Russia, namely, all existing sanctions," he added.</p>

<h2><strong>After the war</strong></h2>

<p>The final part of the plan focuses on after the war, when "Ukraine will have one of the most experienced and largest military contingents."</p>

<p>It was one of the only moments of the address when Zelensky offered resources to partners, as opposed to appealing for aid from allies abroad.</p>

<p>"We envisage, if our partners agree, replacing certain military contingents of the United States Armed Forces stationed in Europe with Ukrainian units," he said.</p>

<p><em>Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION&nbsp;audience.</em><br />
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is unveiling his "Victory Plan" this week to Ukrainians at home and allies abroad, aiming to force Russia into a fair and lasting peace.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is unveiling his "Victory Plan" this week to Ukrainians at home and allies abroad, aiming to force Russia into a fair and lasting peace. The text has not been made public and there are several sections that will remain "secret," but Zelensky addressed lawmakers in Kyiv and outlined its main points. Here's what we know: NATO membership The priority, according to Zelensky's speech to lawmakers, is an invitation for Ukraine to join the US-led NATO defence alliance. "For decades, Russia has exploited geopolitical uncertainty in Europe, specifically the fact that Ukraine is not a NATO member, and this is what tempted Russia to encroach on our security," Zelensky said. The Ukrainian leader has repeatedly said NATO membership would not only boost his own country's security but that of Europe and the West as well. Air defence systems, training of troops A key point of the "Victory Plan" lies in Kyiv's allies giving it permission to strike military targets inside Russia with long-range weapons. Zelensky said Ukraine must continue its ground operations in the Russian border region of Kursk, where it launched a surprise offensive in August, seizing swathes of territory. He also said Ukraine's allies should continue to beef up his war-torn country's air defence systems to protect critical infrastructure and keep in place training programmes abroad for Ukrainian troops. Non-nuclear deterrence The third point revolves around preventing future Russian attacks. It is the least transparent and, according to Zelensky, contains a key "secret" annex that has been shared with leaders in the United States, Britain, France, Germany and Italy. What Zelensky told lawmakers was that Ukraine wanted a "comprehensive non-nuclear strategic deterrence package" deployed on its territory. "The Russian leadership acts aggressively only when it is convinced that it will not receive an adequate destructive response," he said. Economic strength Zelensky told lawmakers that the fourth point centred on protecting Ukraine's natural resources "including critical metals worth trillions of US dollars." He said there was a secret annex in this section too, which would only be shared with Ukraine's allies and urged Kyiv's Western partners to secure a "special agreement on joint protection of critical resources available in Ukraine and joint investment and use of the corresponding economic potential." "This is an agreement that will organically complement and strengthen the existing system of economic pressure on Russia, namely, all existing sanctions," he added. After the war The final part of the plan focuses on after the war, when "Ukraine will have one of the most experienced and largest military contingents." It was one of the only moments of the address when Zelensky offered resources to partners, as opposed to appealing for aid from allies abroad. "We envisage, if our partners agree, replacing certain military contingents of the United States Armed Forces stationed in Europe with Ukrainian units," he said. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Here's everything you need to know about Zelensky's 'Victory Plan' for Ukraine

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Wednesday unveiled his long-awaited Victory Plan to end Russia's invasion, rejecting any territorial concessions and urging ramped-up Western backing, including an invitation to join NATO. Watch this report for more updates.

Russia-Ukraine War: Russia's Village-By-village Strategy Wearing Down Ukrainian Defences

Russia-Ukraine War: Zelensky Rules Out Ceding Ukrainian Land, Wants NATO Membership

Is Europe abandoning Ukraine? According to reports, Germany, one of Ukraine's largest arms donors, is going to halt the supply of heavy combat vehicles and equipment to the war-battered country.

Ukraine Losing Support? Germany Halts Heavy Weapon Deliveries to Kyiv: Report

Let's look at the sanctions on Russia for its invasion of Ukraine. Are they working? Russian exporters are facing mounting liquidity challenges. This is because of delays in receiving payments from foreign banks fearful of falling foul of US Sanctions. Watch in for more details!

Russian Exporters Fear Liquidity Crunch

Two months into Ukraine's offensive on Russian territory, questions are growing in Ukrainian ranks over the long-term strategy as Russian troops advance steadily in other areas. Watch for more details!

Russia-Ukraine War: Donbas Soldiers Question Kursk Offensive as Russia Advances

Russia-Ukraine War: Donbas Soldiers Question Kursk Offensive

Russian forces are advancing relentlessly employing Innovative tactics that have left Ukrainian Defenders reeling. This report tells you more!

Russia-Ukraine War: Russia Tactics Confuse Ukraine, Zelensky Pleads For Aid |

Ukrainian President Zelenksy has warned that a longer war in Ukraine will allow Russia to exhaust Kyiv as he met Balkan leaders in Croatia in a bid to secure further military aid as Ukraine battles Russia. Watch in for more details!

Russia-Ukraine War: Ukrainian President Zelensky Bids For European Support At Balkan Summit

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg has warned that Ukraine could be facing its toughest winter since the start of Russia's invasion. As the war grinds on, Ukraine's critical infrastructure, including energy supplies, is under relentless attack, raising concerns about the country’s ability to withstand the cold months ahead. Stoltenberg emphasized the need for continued support from NATO allies, including military aid and humanitarian assistance, to help Ukraine endure the harsh winter conditions. The upcoming winter could further strain the resilience of Ukrainian forces and civilians as they face continued Russian aggression and mounting logistical challenges.

What To Expect For The Russia-Ukraine War As Winter Approaches?

Russia-Ukraine War: Ukraine's Eastern Front Buckling Under Improved Russian Tactics

Ukraine seems to be heading towards a free fall. Its hopes of turning the tide against Russia seem to be in jeopardy. Ukraine said the long talked-about November peace summit is no longer happening, one that could have potential paved way for peace with Russia. It comes as the US is yet to make up its mind about letting Kyiv use long-range weapons inside Russia.

Russia-Ukraine War: Is Zelensky Losing Friends as Ukraine Warfront Crumbles?

Russia-Ukraine War: Ukraine's East Buckling Under Improved Russian Tactics

Ukraine accused Russia of hitting a cargo ship moored in the Ukrainian port of Odesa, raising concerns about the safety of the corridor that has become a vital export channel for Ukraine's agricultural commodities.

Gravitas: Russian Missiles Hit Ships in Ukraine's Black Sea Grain-export Hub of Odesa

Ukrainian military calls the situation ‘unstable’ with fighting at ‘every entrance’ of the front-line city, as Russia continues to make gains along the eastern front. Watch for more details!

Russia-Ukraine War: Russian Juggernaut Advances, Ukraine's Frontlines Crumble

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<p>A court in Russia on Monday (Oct 7) sentenced a 72-year-old man from the United States (US) to nearly seven years in prison for allegedly fighting as a mercenary in Ukraine. According to a report by the news agency Associated Press, the man was identified as&nbsp;Stephen Hubbard.</p>

<p>On Monday, prosecutors said that Hubbard signed a contract with the Ukrainian military after Moscow launched its offensive in late February 2022 and he fought alongside them&nbsp;until being captured two months later.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-war-north-korean-soldiers-likely-fighting-alongside-russian-troops-says-seoul-765509">Ukraine war: North Korean soldiers likely fighting alongside Russian troops, says Seoul</a></strong></p>

<p>Hubbard was sentenced to six years and 10 months in a general-security prison, the report said. Prosecutors had called for a seven-year sentence in a maximum security prison.</p>

<h2><strong>Washington reacts to the development</strong></h2>

<p>US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said on Monday that the department had limited information about the case as Moscow refused to grant consular access.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“They have an obligation to provide it and we’re going to continue to press for it. We’re looking at the case very closely and considering our next steps,” Miller said during a press conference.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>A relief by Russian prosecutors</strong></h2>

<p>Hubbard, is the first American known to have been convicted on charges of fighting as a mercenary in the Ukraine war.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch | Russian President Putin&nbsp;draws a nuclear red line for the West</strong></p>

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<p>The charges against the 72-year-old&nbsp;carried a potential sentence of 15 years, but prosecutors asked that his age be taken into account along with his admission of guilt, the Associated Press reported citing Russian media.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A court in Russia on Monday (Oct 7) sentenced a 72-year-old man from the United States (US) to nearly seven years in prison for allegedly fighting as a mercenary in Ukraine.

A court in Russia on Monday (Oct 7) sentenced a 72-year-old man from the United States (US) to nearly seven years in prison for allegedly fighting as a mercenary in Ukraine. According to a report by the news agency Associated Press, the man was identified as Stephen Hubbard. On Monday, prosecutors said that Hubbard signed a contract with the Ukrainian military after Moscow launched its offensive in late February 2022 and he fought alongside them until being captured two months later. Also read | Ukraine war: North Korean soldiers likely fighting alongside Russian troops, says Seoul Hubbard was sentenced to six years and 10 months in a general-security prison, the report said. Prosecutors had called for a seven-year sentence in a maximum security prison. Washington reacts to the development US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said on Monday that the department had limited information about the case as Moscow refused to grant consular access. “They have an obligation to provide it and we’re going to continue to press for it. We’re looking at the case very closely and considering our next steps,” Miller said during a press conference. A relief by Russian prosecutors Hubbard, is the first American known to have been convicted on charges of fighting as a mercenary in the Ukraine war. Also watch | Russian President Putin draws a nuclear red line for the West × The charges against the 72-year-old carried a potential sentence of 15 years, but prosecutors asked that his age be taken into account along with his admission of guilt, the Associated Press reported citing Russian media. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia sentences 72-year-old US man to nearly 7 years in prison for allegedly fighting as mercenary in Ukraine

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<p>South Korea's defence ministry said on Tuesday (Oct 8) that North Korean soldiers were likely fighting in Ukraine alongside Russian troops, with some already believed to be killed and more&nbsp;expected to be deployed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Both Russia and Ukraine have foreign fighters in their militaries. Citing Ukrainian media, a report by the news agency AFP said that six officers of the North Korean military were killed in a&nbsp;Ukrainian missile attack on Russian-occupied territory near Donetsk on October 3.</p>

<h2><strong>'Pyongyang expected to send more foot soldiers'</strong></h2>

<p>South Korean Defence Minister Kim Yong-hyun told lawmakers on Tuesday it was highly likely that the claims made by the Ukrainian media were true.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We assess that the occurrence of casualties among North Korean officers and soldiers in Ukraine is highly likely, considering various circumstances," Defence Minister Kim said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-did-russia-use-father-of-all-bombs-the-odab-9000-vacuum-bomb-on-ukraine-763906">Did Russia use 'father of all bombs', the ODAB-9000 vacuum bomb, on Ukraine?</a></strong></p>

<p>He added that Pyongyang was expected to send more foot soldiers to support Russia's war effort.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>North Korea's involvement in Ukraine war</strong></h2>

<p>Since the war between Russia and Ukraine began in late February 2022, experts have long said that North Korea has supplied missiles to Russian forces- something both Moscow and Pyongyang have denied.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, South Korea claimed that North Korea sent thousands of containers of weapons to Russia for use in Ukraine.&nbsp;</p>

<p>President Vladimir Putin made a rare visit to Pyongyang in June, where he signed a mutual defence agreement with leader Kim Jong Un.</p>

<p>Analysts have warned that the recent ramped-up testing and production of artillery and cruise missiles by the North&nbsp;could be in preparation for shipments to Russia.</p>

<h2><strong>'The next logical step'</strong></h2>

<p>Experts pointed out that moving from supplying shells to soldiers in Russia was the next logical step (for North Korea).</p>

<p><strong>Also watch | Gravitas: Russia's military might continues to grow</strong></p>

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<p>Speaking to AFP,&nbsp;Lim Eul-chul, a professor at Seoul's Institute for Far Eastern Studies, said, "For North Korea, which has supplied Russia with many shells and missiles, it's crucial to learn how to handle different weapons and gain real-world combat experience."</p>

<p>"This might even be a driving factor behind sending North Korean soldiers —- to provide them with diverse experiences and war-time training," Lim added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


South Korea's defence ministry said on Tuesday (Oct 8) that North Korean soldiers were likely fighting in Ukraine alongside Russian troops, with some already believed to be killed and more expected to be deployed.

South Korea's defence ministry said on Tuesday (Oct 8) that North Korean soldiers were likely fighting in Ukraine alongside Russian troops, with some already believed to be killed and more expected to be deployed. Both Russia and Ukraine have foreign fighters in their militaries. Citing Ukrainian media, a report by the news agency AFP said that six officers of the North Korean military were killed in a Ukrainian missile attack on Russian-occupied territory near Donetsk on October 3. 'Pyongyang expected to send more foot soldiers' South Korean Defence Minister Kim Yong-hyun told lawmakers on Tuesday it was highly likely that the claims made by the Ukrainian media were true. "We assess that the occurrence of casualties among North Korean officers and soldiers in Ukraine is highly likely, considering various circumstances," Defence Minister Kim said. Also read | Did Russia use 'father of all bombs', the ODAB-9000 vacuum bomb, on Ukraine? He added that Pyongyang was expected to send more foot soldiers to support Russia's war effort. North Korea's involvement in Ukraine war Since the war between Russia and Ukraine began in late February 2022, experts have long said that North Korea has supplied missiles to Russian forces- something both Moscow and Pyongyang have denied. Meanwhile, South Korea claimed that North Korea sent thousands of containers of weapons to Russia for use in Ukraine. President Vladimir Putin made a rare visit to Pyongyang in June, where he signed a mutual defence agreement with leader Kim Jong Un. Analysts have warned that the recent ramped-up testing and production of artillery and cruise missiles by the North could be in preparation for shipments to Russia. 'The next logical step' Experts pointed out that moving from supplying shells to soldiers in Russia was the next logical step (for North Korea). Also watch | Gravitas: Russia's military might continues to grow × Speaking to AFP, Lim Eul-chul, a professor at Seoul's Institute for Far Eastern Studies, said, "For North Korea, which has supplied Russia with many shells and missiles, it's crucial to learn how to handle different weapons and gain real-world combat experience." "This might even be a driving factor behind sending North Korean soldiers —- to provide them with diverse experiences and war-time training," Lim added. (With inputs from agencies)

Ukraine war: North Korean soldiers likely fighting alongside Russian troops, says Seoul

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