Air raid sirens and loud blasts were heard in the Ukrainian capital Kyiv on Thursday (Jan 16) amid UK Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/search?title=Keir+Starmer" rel="dofollow">Keir Starmer</a>'s first official visit to the warring nation, AFP reported.&nbsp;
The Ukraine's Marynskyi presidential palace echoed with loud blooms, where the two leaders were due to hold a press conference on Thursday.&nbsp;
Reportedly, the Ukrainian air defence tried to shoot down a drone.&nbsp;
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Air defence systems in the centre of the city were engaging enemy targets after the air force warned of an enemy drone attack, officials in Kyiv said.
The drone, which was possibly a Russian decoy, was seen and heard buzzing above the Marynskyi presidential palace. Notably, the palace is not far from Zelensky's office.&nbsp;
However, it is not clear whether the drone was downed immediately.&nbsp;
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There have been no casualties in the drone attack, according to the city officials. However, a car was damaged by falling debris in one of the districts.&nbsp;
<h2>Starmer's first visit to Ukraine</h2>
Starmer is currently in Ukraine to sign a so-called "100-year partnership" treaty between Britain and Ukraine.&nbsp;
The pact is the formal document of the already promised economic and military support to Ukraine.
"Putin's ambition to wrench Ukraine away from its closest partners has been a monumental strategic failure," Starmer said, referring to Russian President Vladimir Putin's full-scale invasion of Ukraine nearly three years ago.
"Instead, we are closer than ever, and this partnership will take that friendship to the next level," he added.&nbsp;
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The visit marks the first step by the UK to show support to Ukraine just days before US President-elect Donald Trump takes office.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is scheduled to discuss essential security guarantees with its key allies like the UK ahead of the reports that Trump plans to push his country for peace talks in his second term in the White House.
Starner had visited Ukraine last time in 2023, when he was serving as the leader of the opposition.&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)

World: The Ukraine's Marynskyi presidential palace echoed with loud blooms, where the two leaders were due to hold a press conference on Thursday. 

Air raid sirens and loud blasts were heard in the Ukrainian capital Kyiv on Thursday (Jan 16) amid UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer's first official visit to the warring nation, AFP reported. The Ukraine's Marynskyi presidential palace echoed with loud blooms, where the two leaders were due to hold a press conference on Thursday. Reportedly, the Ukrainian air defence tried to shoot down a drone. Also read: British PM Keir Starmer in Ukraine to sign 'landmark 100-year' partnership. What is it? Air defence systems in the centre of the city were engaging enemy targets after the air force warned of an enemy drone attack, officials in Kyiv said. The drone, which was possibly a Russian decoy, was seen and heard buzzing above the Marynskyi presidential palace. Notably, the palace is not far from Zelensky's office. However, it is not clear whether the drone was downed immediately. Also read: UK PM Keir Starmer slams Elon Musk for spreading 'lies and misinformation'; X boss reacts There have been no casualties in the drone attack, according to the city officials. However, a car was damaged by falling debris in one of the districts. Starmer's first visit to Ukraine Starmer is currently in Ukraine to sign a so-called "100-year partnership" treaty between Britain and Ukraine. The pact is the formal document of the already promised economic and military support to Ukraine. "Putin's ambition to wrench Ukraine away from its closest partners has been a monumental strategic failure," Starmer said, referring to Russian President Vladimir Putin's full-scale invasion of Ukraine nearly three years ago. "Instead, we are closer than ever, and this partnership will take that friendship to the next level," he added. Also read: Musk vs Starmer: X boss wants King Charles to oust UK govt amid grooming gangs row The visit marks the first step by the UK to show support to Ukraine just days before US President-elect Donald Trump takes office. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is scheduled to discuss essential security guarantees with its key allies like the UK ahead of the reports that Trump plans to push his country for peace talks in his second term in the White House. Starner had visited Ukraine last time in 2023, when he was serving as the leader of the opposition. (With inputs from agencies)

Explosions heard over Ukraine's presidential palace amid British PM Starmer's visit

Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., explained how he would work to end the war in Ukraine as secretary of state during his confirmation hearing Wednesday, Jan. 15. Rubio said it should be the official position of the United States that the war needs to end, which he contends differs from the Biden administration.

Russia-Ukraine War | Marco Rubio Urges Both Putin And Zelensky Must Make Concessions To End War

Marco Rubio, President-elect Donald Trump's choice to be secretary of state, said Wednesday that the next US administration would seek "bold diplomacy" with the goal of ending Russia's invasion of Ukraine.&nbsp;
"This war has to end, and I think it should be the official policy of the United States that we want to see it end," Rubio said at his confirmation hearing in the Senate.&nbsp;
"This is not going to be an easy endeavor," he said, "but it's going to require bold diplomacy."
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"It is important for everyone to be realistic. There will have to be concessions made by the Russian Federation, but also by the Ukrainians," he said.&nbsp;
Trump has previously vowed to end the war within a day, with his aides speaking of leveraging US assistance to Ukraine to force it into territorial concessions.
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Rubio, a one-time political opponent of Trump, is a three-term senator who has robustly supported both Ukraine and NATO, the transatlantic alliance forged in the Cold War.
Trump in his first term repeatedly described NATO as a bad deal for the United States, accusing European nations who are US economic competitors of freeloading.
Rubio distanced himself from calls to exit NATO but said: "What's important for the United States is not just to have defense allies, it's to have capable defense allies."
"I think there is a question to be asked -- I'm not stating a public policy position, I'm stating a question to be asked.
"And that is, should the role of the United States and NATO in the 21st century be the primary defense role, or as a backstop to aggression, with countries in the region assuming more of that responsibility by contributing more?"
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.

World: "This war has to end, and I think it should be the official policy of the United States that we want to see it end," Rubio said at his confirmation hearing in the Senate. 

Marco Rubio, President-elect Donald Trump's choice to be secretary of state, said Wednesday that the next US administration would seek "bold diplomacy" with the goal of ending Russia's invasion of Ukraine. "This war has to end, and I think it should be the official policy of the United States that we want to see it end," Rubio said at his confirmation hearing in the Senate. "This is not going to be an easy endeavor," he said, "but it's going to require bold diplomacy." Also read: Mike Waltz, Stephen Miller & Marco Rubio: Donald Trump's key picks for White House "It is important for everyone to be realistic. There will have to be concessions made by the Russian Federation, but also by the Ukrainians," he said. Trump has previously vowed to end the war within a day, with his aides speaking of leveraging US assistance to Ukraine to force it into territorial concessions. Also read: US lifts ban on Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, two other Indian entities - Why is it important? Rubio, a one-time political opponent of Trump, is a three-term senator who has robustly supported both Ukraine and NATO, the transatlantic alliance forged in the Cold War. Trump in his first term repeatedly described NATO as a bad deal for the United States, accusing European nations who are US economic competitors of freeloading. Rubio distanced himself from calls to exit NATO but said: "What's important for the United States is not just to have defense allies, it's to have capable defense allies." "I think there is a question to be asked -- I'm not stating a public policy position, I'm stating a question to be asked. "And that is, should the role of the United States and NATO in the 21st century be the primary defense role, or as a backstop to aggression, with countries in the region assuming more of that responsibility by contributing more?" 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.

Trump State Dept Marco Rubio calls for 'bold diplomacy' to end Russia's invasion of Ukraine

Russia launched more than 40 missiles and over 70 attack drones in an overnight barrage that targeted Ukraine's energy sector, Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky said Wednesday.

Russia-Ukraine war: '70 drones targeted Ukraine's energy infrastructure', says Zelensky

During his Presidential campaign, Donald Trump claimed he would end the war in Ukraine. Later, Trump watered down his promise, saying he would bring Russia and Ukraine to the ‘negotiating table’. The promise comes from a President who has lost patience with America's costly involvement in the war. Watch to know more!

Will Trump's 'End Russia War' Plan Leave Ukraine With Heavy Compromise? | WION Originals

Ukraine carried out its largest aerial attack on Russian territory of the nearly three-year war overnight, Kyiv said on Tuesday, hitting factories and energy hubs hundreds of miles from the frontline.
The Russian military accused Kyiv of using US- and British-supplied missiles for one of the strikes and promised it would "not go unanswered".
The barrage forced schools in the southwestern Saratov region to close, while at least nine airports in central and western Russia temporarily halted traffic, according to Russian officials.
Moscow and Kyiv have increased strikes on each other ahead of US President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration next week, as both sides seek to gain the upper hand in potential negotiations aimed at settling the nearly three-year war.
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"The Ukrainian Defence Forces carried out the most massive strike against the occupiers' military facilities, at a distance of 200 to 1,100 kilometres (125 to 700 miles) deep into the territory of the Russian Federation," Ukraine's General Staff said in a post on social media.
Facilities "in the Bryansk, Saratov, Tula regions and the Republic of Tatarstan were hit," it added.
Among the targets were a chemical factory that makes rocket fuel and ammunition for Russia's army, an oil depot near a Russian air base, and an oil refinery.
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The governor of Russia's Saratov region, Roman Busargin, said the scale of the attack there was "massive".
Schools in the cities of Saratov and Engels were holding classes online on Tuesday because of the attacks, he added.
Firefighters had only the day before managed to put out a blaze at an oil depot in the city of Engels, which was hit by a Ukrainian drone strike on January 8.
Kyiv's army said it had hit the same site again.
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<h2>'Successful' strike&nbsp;</h2>
In the energy-rich region of Tatarstan, a Ukrainian drone struck a gas storage tank, sending flames and thick smoke billowing into the sky near the city of Kazan, according to the media and the regional government.
Tatar local media said a liquefied gas storage base was hit, and published images showing flames and black smoke.
Russia's defence ministry said it had shot down six US-supplied ATACMS missiles and six British Storm Shadow cruise missiles that Ukraine had fired in the attack on the Bryansk region.
Ukraine's army had earlier claimed it had hit a chemical plant near the town of Seltso, more than 100 kilometres from the border, that makes ammunition and explosives for Russia's army.
"Drones successfully distracted Russian air defences, paving the way for missiles that hit the main targets," the Ukrainian military's Unmanned Systems Forces said.
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Ukraine regularly targets military and energy sites in Russia, part of what it calls "fair" retaliation for Russia's repeated barrages of its energy grid since Moscow invaded in February 2022.
The Ukrainian army vowed to pursue its "systematic" campaign against the Russian military-industrial complex until Russian "armed aggression against Ukraine is completely stopped".
The air force separately said that its air defence systems had downed 58 Iranian-designed drones launched by Russia, while another 21 either were destroyed with electronic interference systems or crashed.
<h2>Russian advances&nbsp;</h2>
The overnight Ukrainian attacks came at a difficult moment for Kyiv's forces along the front line, particularly in the eastern Donetsk region.
City authorities in Pokrovsk, Russia's main target in the region, repeated a call on Tuesday for remaining residents to flee. Around 60,000 people lived in the city before Russia invaded in February 2022.
Russian advances have also forced the closure and evacuation of staff from a major coal mine around Pokrovsk, its operator said on Tuesday, another signal of the dangerous proximity of Russian forces to the city.
Moscow announced on Tuesday that it had re-captured two Ukrainian villages in the eastern Donetsk region -- Neskuchne and Terny -- that Kyiv had wrested back from Russian control earlier in the conflict: symbolic blows for Kyiv's struggling army.
The Russian defence ministry said the area around Neskuchne was a strategically important logistics hub for Ukraine, and published footage showing air strikes against the shells of charred concrete buildings, already completely destroyed by previous attacks.
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.

World: The Russian military accused Kyiv of using US- and British-supplied missiles for one of the strikes and promised it would "not go unanswered".

Ukraine carried out its largest aerial attack on Russian territory of the nearly three-year war overnight, Kyiv said on Tuesday, hitting factories and energy hubs hundreds of miles from the frontline. The Russian military accused Kyiv of using US- and British-supplied missiles for one of the strikes and promised it would "not go unanswered". The barrage forced schools in the southwestern Saratov region to close, while at least nine airports in central and western Russia temporarily halted traffic, according to Russian officials. Moscow and Kyiv have increased strikes on each other ahead of US President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration next week, as both sides seek to gain the upper hand in potential negotiations aimed at settling the nearly three-year war. Also read: Indian man fighting for Russia on Ukraine frontlines dies after desperate pleas to return back home: Report "The Ukrainian Defence Forces carried out the most massive strike against the occupiers' military facilities, at a distance of 200 to 1,100 kilometres (125 to 700 miles) deep into the territory of the Russian Federation," Ukraine's General Staff said in a post on social media. Facilities "in the Bryansk, Saratov, Tula regions and the Republic of Tatarstan were hit," it added. Among the targets were a chemical factory that makes rocket fuel and ammunition for Russia's army, an oil depot near a Russian air base, and an oil refinery. Also read: North Korea soldiers fighting in Ukraine were told to kill selves before capture: Seoul The governor of Russia's Saratov region, Roman Busargin, said the scale of the attack there was "massive". Schools in the cities of Saratov and Engels were holding classes online on Tuesday because of the attacks, he added. Firefighters had only the day before managed to put out a blaze at an oil depot in the city of Engels, which was hit by a Ukrainian drone strike on January 8. Kyiv's army said it had hit the same site again. Also read: ‘Thought it was training, not combat': Ukraine releases first testimony of captured N Korean soldiers | Watch 'Successful' strike In the energy-rich region of Tatarstan, a Ukrainian drone struck a gas storage tank, sending flames and thick smoke billowing into the sky near the city of Kazan, according to the media and the regional government. Tatar local media said a liquefied gas storage base was hit, and published images showing flames and black smoke. Russia's defence ministry said it had shot down six US-supplied ATACMS missiles and six British Storm Shadow cruise missiles that Ukraine had fired in the attack on the Bryansk region. Ukraine's army had earlier claimed it had hit a chemical plant near the town of Seltso, more than 100 kilometres from the border, that makes ammunition and explosives for Russia's army. "Drones successfully distracted Russian air defences, paving the way for missiles that hit the main targets," the Ukrainian military's Unmanned Systems Forces said. Also read: Russia-Ukraine war: Kyiv is seeking English-speaking soldiers Ukraine regularly targets military and energy sites in Russia, part of what it calls "fair" retaliation for Russia's repeated barrages of its energy grid since Moscow invaded in February 2022. The Ukrainian army vowed to pursue its "systematic" campaign against the Russian military-industrial complex until Russian "armed aggression against Ukraine is completely stopped". The air force separately said that its air defence systems had downed 58 Iranian-designed drones launched by Russia, while another 21 either were destroyed with electronic interference systems or crashed. Russian advances The overnight Ukrainian attacks came at a difficult moment for Kyiv's forces along the front line, particularly in the eastern Donetsk region. City authorities in Pokrovsk, Russia's main target in the region, repeated a call on Tuesday for remaining residents to flee. Around 60,000 people lived in the city before Russia invaded in February 2022. Russian advances have also forced the closure and evacuation of staff from a major coal mine around Pokrovsk, its operator said on Tuesday, another signal of the dangerous proximity of Russian forces to the city. Moscow announced on Tuesday that it had re-captured two Ukrainian villages in the eastern Donetsk region -- Neskuchne and Terny -- that Kyiv had wrested back from Russian control earlier in the conflict: symbolic blows for Kyiv's struggling army. The Russian defence ministry said the area around Neskuchne was a strategically important logistics hub for Ukraine, and published footage showing air strikes against the shells of charred concrete buildings, already completely destroyed by previous attacks. 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.

Ukraine claims to carry out 'most massive strike' on Russia, Moscow vows retaliation

Russia and Ukraine have launched a series of drone attacks, escalating the ongoing conflict. Both sides targeted key military and infrastructure sites, intensifying the war in the region.

Russia-Ukraine war: All eyes on Trump's promise to stop the war

Ukrainian forces have captured two North Korean soldiers fighting alongside Russian troops in Kursk border region, President Volodymyr Zelensky has offered an exchange. Watch this report for more details!

Russia-Ukraine War: Zelensky Bargains Exchange Of Soldiers, Putin Says ' Won't Comment'

Ukraine is not currently in a strong enough position for peace talks with Russia, said NATO chief Mark Rutte on Monday, as US President-elect Donald Trump gears up to take power.
"At this moment, clearly Ukraine is not there, because they cannot at this moment negotiate from a position of strength," Rutte told EU lawmakers.&nbsp;
"We have to do more to make sure by changing the trajectory of the conflict that they can get to that position of strength."
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Trump will be sworn into office next Monday after vowing on the campaign trail to bring a swift end to Russian President Vladimir Putin's war in Ukraine.&nbsp;
The promises from the incoming US leader have sparked fears he could cut Washington's support to Kyiv and force its leaders to make painful concessions.
Trump takes power nearly three years into the war as Ukraine's fatigued forces are being pushed back on the front line.
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"We all want this war to end, but above all, we want peace to last," Rutte said.&nbsp;
"Peace will not last if Putin gets his way in Ukraine, because then he will press ahead."
The NATO head warned that a bad deal for Ukraine would embolden Russia and its allies such as China, North Korea and Tehran.
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"I am convinced that peace can only last if Ukraine comes to the table from a position of strength," he said.
"For this, it needs our continued help, more weapons and faster, so it can defend itself better and negotiate a good deal for Ukraine, for Europe, and for the world."
Rutte reiterated his insistence that Europe needs to massively ramp up its defence spending, especially as that is a key demand from Trump.&nbsp;
The NATO leader said the alliance's threshold of two percent of gross domestic product was "not nearly enough" to face the threat from Moscow.&nbsp;
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"If we don't do it, we are safe now but not in four or five years," he said.&nbsp;
"So if you don't do it, get out your Russian language courses or go to New Zealand."
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.

World: "At this moment, clearly Ukraine is not there, because they cannot at this moment negotiate from a position of strength," Rutte told EU lawmakers. 

Ukraine is not currently in a strong enough position for peace talks with Russia, said NATO chief Mark Rutte on Monday, as US President-elect Donald Trump gears up to take power. "At this moment, clearly Ukraine is not there, because they cannot at this moment negotiate from a position of strength," Rutte told EU lawmakers. "We have to do more to make sure by changing the trajectory of the conflict that they can get to that position of strength." Also read: Indian man fighting for Russia on Ukraine frontlines dies after desperate pleas to return back home: Report Trump will be sworn into office next Monday after vowing on the campaign trail to bring a swift end to Russian President Vladimir Putin's war in Ukraine. The promises from the incoming US leader have sparked fears he could cut Washington's support to Kyiv and force its leaders to make painful concessions. Trump takes power nearly three years into the war as Ukraine's fatigued forces are being pushed back on the front line. Also read: North Korea soldiers fighting in Ukraine were told to kill selves before capture: Seoul "We all want this war to end, but above all, we want peace to last," Rutte said. "Peace will not last if Putin gets his way in Ukraine, because then he will press ahead." The NATO head warned that a bad deal for Ukraine would embolden Russia and its allies such as China, North Korea and Tehran. Also read: ‘Thought it was training, not combat': Ukraine releases first testimony of captured N Korean soldiers | Watch "I am convinced that peace can only last if Ukraine comes to the table from a position of strength," he said. "For this, it needs our continued help, more weapons and faster, so it can defend itself better and negotiate a good deal for Ukraine, for Europe, and for the world." Rutte reiterated his insistence that Europe needs to massively ramp up its defence spending, especially as that is a key demand from Trump. The NATO leader said the alliance's threshold of two percent of gross domestic product was "not nearly enough" to face the threat from Moscow. Also read: Russia-Ukraine war: Kyiv is seeking English-speaking soldiers "If we don't do it, we are safe now but not in four or five years," he said. "So if you don't do it, get out your Russian language courses or go to New Zealand." 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.

Ukraine not strong enough for peace talks, says NATO Chief Mark Rutte

Russia-Ukraine war: what Zelensky plans to do with North Korea card?

Russia is using fiber-optic drones to gain an advantage in the Ukraine war. These drones are harder to detect and jam than traditional drones. Watch this report for more details!

Russia-Ukraine war: Russia uses 'killer' drones, Ukraine scrambles

North Korean soldiers fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine have been ordered by Pyongyang to take their own lives rather than get captured, according to a South Korean lawmaker who was briefed by the country's spy agency on Monday (Jan 13).
"Memos found on deceased soldiers indicate that the North Korean authorities pressured them to commit suicide or self-detonate before capture," lawmaker Lee Seong-kweun claimed in comments to reporters, citing information from the National Intelligence Service.
Over 300 North Korean soldiers have lost their lives and 2,700 were injured while fighting Russia's war against Ukraine.
"The deployment of North Korean troops to Russia has reportedly expanded to include the Kursk region, with estimates suggesting that casualties among North Korean forces have surpassed 3,000," Lee said after&nbsp;a briefing from Seoul's National Intelligence Service.
This includes "approximately 300 deaths and 2,700 injuries," Lee said.
Out of these, some of the soldiers were granted "amnesty" or expressed willingness to join North Korea's ruling Workers' Party, he added.
One soldier, who was facing imminent capture, cried out "General Kim Jong Un" before attempting to blow himself up with a grenade, said Lee.
The analysis carried out by NIS unveiled that the soldiers from North Korea displayed a "lack of understanding of modern warfare," and Russia is using them in a manner which is leading to their "high number of casualties," said the lawmaker.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-significantly-benefiting-from-its-troops-fighting-in-russia-war-us-at-unsc-8603767">Also read: North Korea 'significantly benefiting' from its troops fighting in Russia war: US at UNSC</a>
<h2>Zelensky proposes soldier swap with North Korea</h2>
Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Sunday (Jan 12) proposed a soldier swap to North Korea, stating that he would hand them over to Pyongyang in exchange for Ukrainian POWs that were held by Russia.
Zelensky's proposal came after South Korea's National Intelligence Service confirmed the announcement Kyiv made the previous day where it claimed to have captured two North Korean soldiers.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m5uqrzno-f5k3ea9c-qvhj7nim">
In addition to the first captured soldiers from North Korea, there will undoubtedly be more. It&rsquo;s only a matter of time before our troops manage to capture others. There should be no doubt left in the world that the Russian army is dependent on military assistance from North&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/4RyCfUoHoC">pic.twitter.com/4RyCfUoHoC</a>
&mdash; Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) <a href="https://twitter.com/ZelenskyyUa/status/1878502443077509588?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 12, 2025</a></blockquote>
Ukraine on Saturday said that the North Korean troops had been injured fighting Ukrainian soldiers in Russia's Kursk region but no evidence of their nationality was provided to back this claim.
However, the NIS, as per news agency AFP, said that it had "confirmed that the Ukrainian military captured two North Korean soldiers on January 9 in the Kursk battlefield in Russia".
In a post on X on Sunday, Zelensky said: "Ukraine is ready to hand over Kim Jong Un's soldiers to him if he can organize their exchange for our warriors who are being held captive in Russia."
"For those North Korean soldiers who do not wish to return, there may be other options available," said Zelensky.
"In particular, those who express a desire to bring peace closer by spreading the truth about this war in Korean will be given that opportunity," he added.
Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made regarding the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this ongoing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.
(With inputs from agencies)

North Korean soldiers fighting in Russia's war against Ukraine have been told by Pyongyang to kill themselves rather than be captured alive, a South Korean lawmaker said Monday after a briefing from the country's spy agency.

North Korean soldiers fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine have been ordered by Pyongyang to take their own lives rather than get captured, according to a South Korean lawmaker who was briefed by the country's spy agency on Monday (Jan 13). "Memos found on deceased soldiers indicate that the North Korean authorities pressured them to commit suicide or self-detonate before capture," lawmaker Lee Seong-kweun claimed in comments to reporters, citing information from the National Intelligence Service. Over 300 North Korean soldiers have lost their lives and 2,700 were injured while fighting Russia's war against Ukraine. "The deployment of North Korean troops to Russia has reportedly expanded to include the Kursk region, with estimates suggesting that casualties among North Korean forces have surpassed 3,000," Lee said after a briefing from Seoul's National Intelligence Service. This includes "approximately 300 deaths and 2,700 injuries," Lee said. Out of these, some of the soldiers were granted "amnesty" or expressed willingness to join North Korea's ruling Workers' Party, he added. One soldier, who was facing imminent capture, cried out "General Kim Jong Un" before attempting to blow himself up with a grenade, said Lee. The analysis carried out by NIS unveiled that the soldiers from North Korea displayed a "lack of understanding of modern warfare," and Russia is using them in a manner which is leading to their "high number of casualties," said the lawmaker. Also read: North Korea 'significantly benefiting' from its troops fighting in Russia war: US at UNSC Zelensky proposes soldier swap with North Korea Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Sunday (Jan 12) proposed a soldier swap to North Korea, stating that he would hand them over to Pyongyang in exchange for Ukrainian POWs that were held by Russia. Zelensky's proposal came after South Korea's National Intelligence Service confirmed the announcement Kyiv made the previous day where it claimed to have captured two North Korean soldiers. In addition to the first captured soldiers from North Korea, there will undoubtedly be more. It’s only a matter of time before our troops manage to capture others. There should be no doubt left in the world that the Russian army is dependent on military assistance from North… pic.twitter.com/4RyCfUoHoC — Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) January 12, 2025 Ukraine on Saturday said that the North Korean troops had been injured fighting Ukrainian soldiers in Russia's Kursk region but no evidence of their nationality was provided to back this claim. However, the NIS, as per news agency AFP, said that it had "confirmed that the Ukrainian military captured two North Korean soldiers on January 9 in the Kursk battlefield in Russia". In a post on X on Sunday, Zelensky said: "Ukraine is ready to hand over Kim Jong Un's soldiers to him if he can organize their exchange for our warriors who are being held captive in Russia." "For those North Korean soldiers who do not wish to return, there may be other options available," said Zelensky. "In particular, those who express a desire to bring peace closer by spreading the truth about this war in Korean will be given that opportunity," he added. Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made regarding the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this ongoing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. (With inputs from agencies)

North Korea soldiers fighting in Ukraine were told to kill selves before capture: Seoul

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Russia-Ukraine War: Zelensky Offers To Exchange North Korean Soldiers With Ukrainians | World DNA

Russia on Saturday said its forces captured the settlement of Shevchenko in Ukraine's Donetsk region. Watch this report for more details!

Russia-Ukraine war: Russia claims control of Shevchenko in Donetsk region

Ukrainian forces have captured two North Korean soldiers fighting alongside Russian troops in Kursk border region, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Saturday. Watch this report for more details!

Russia-Ukraine War: Zelensky says Ukraine captured two North Korean soldiers in Kursk

Ukraine&rsquo;s highest-profile combat unit, the Azov Brigade, is looking to recruit English-speaking soldiers as the country heads into its fourth year of war against Russia.&nbsp;
The unit, known for its nationalist origins, is hoping to form an international battalion to bolster its numbers, especially with growing concerns that US military aid could decline if Donald Trump returns to the presidency, as reported by the Guardian.
<h2>Azov&rsquo;s need for experienced recruits</h2>
Azov&rsquo;s commander, known as &ldquo;Karl,&rdquo; explained that the brigade was particularly seeking recruits with military experience.&nbsp;
He stressed that Ukraine&rsquo;s smaller size compared to Russia means it needs all the help it can get. &ldquo;We are fighting to not let Russia become closer to Europe,&rdquo; he said, adding that if Ukraine falls, Russia could threaten other nations like Poland and the Baltic states.
Also Read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-korea-plane-crash-black-boxes-mysteriously-stopped-working-minutes-before-crash-claims-govt-8610060"> </a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-korea-plane-crash-black-boxes-mysteriously-stopped-working-minutes-before-crash-claims-govt-8610060">South Korea plane crash: Black boxes mysteriously stopped working minutes before crash, claims govt</a>
Since the start of Russia&rsquo;s full-scale invasion, 15 Britons have been killed while fighting for Ukraine, including two this month: Jordan Maclachlan, 26, a medic, and Jake Waddington, 34, a former British Army soldier.&nbsp;
While it is not illegal for foreign nationals to join Ukraine&rsquo;s forces, the UK government has warned that those without military training would be of limited use.
<h2>Joining Azov: Recruitment and training</h2>
To join Azov, non-Ukrainians must undergo a recruitment process, including interviews and psychological assessments, as well as a polygraph test to ensure they are not working for Russian special forces. Initial training lasts two to three months, even for those with military experience. After training, recruits are placed in infantry assault units.
Also Read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/joe-biden-extends-protections-for-nearly-1-million-migrants-just-days-before-donald-trumps-inauguration-8609118"> </a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/joe-biden-extends-protections-for-nearly-1-million-migrants-just-days-before-donald-trumps-inauguration-8609118">Biden extends protections for nearly 1 million migrants, just days before Trump&rsquo;s inauguration</a>
<h2>Azov on the frontlines</h2>
Azov is currently operating near Toretsk in eastern Ukraine, a town split between Russian and Ukrainian forces. With the situation expected to worsen, the need for international recruits may become more critical as the war continues.
(With inputs from agencies)

World | The unit, known for its nationalist origins, is hoping to form an international battalion to bolster its numbers, especially with growing concerns that US military aid could decline if Donald Trump returns to the presidency.

Ukraine’s highest-profile combat unit, the Azov Brigade, is looking to recruit English-speaking soldiers as the country heads into its fourth year of war against Russia. The unit, known for its nationalist origins, is hoping to form an international battalion to bolster its numbers, especially with growing concerns that US military aid could decline if Donald Trump returns to the presidency, as reported by the Guardian. Azov’s need for experienced recruits Azov’s commander, known as “Karl,” explained that the brigade was particularly seeking recruits with military experience. He stressed that Ukraine’s smaller size compared to Russia means it needs all the help it can get. “We are fighting to not let Russia become closer to Europe,” he said, adding that if Ukraine falls, Russia could threaten other nations like Poland and the Baltic states. Also Read | South Korea plane crash: Black boxes mysteriously stopped working minutes before crash, claims govt Since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion, 15 Britons have been killed while fighting for Ukraine, including two this month: Jordan Maclachlan, 26, a medic, and Jake Waddington, 34, a former British Army soldier. While it is not illegal for foreign nationals to join Ukraine’s forces, the UK government has warned that those without military training would be of limited use. Joining Azov: Recruitment and training To join Azov, non-Ukrainians must undergo a recruitment process, including interviews and psychological assessments, as well as a polygraph test to ensure they are not working for Russian special forces. Initial training lasts two to three months, even for those with military experience. After training, recruits are placed in infantry assault units. Also Read | Biden extends protections for nearly 1 million migrants, just days before Trump’s inauguration Azov on the frontlines Azov is currently operating near Toretsk in eastern Ukraine, a town split between Russian and Ukrainian forces. With the situation expected to worsen, the need for international recruits may become more critical as the war continues. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia-Ukraine war: Kyiv is seeking English-speaking soldiers

After Kyiv cut off gas shipments from Russia through its pipeline, Vladimir Putin eyes other options for transporting gas. Take a look at this report as we dive into Moscow's plan to shield the country from financial damage.

Putin has options for Russian gas after Ukraine route closed

Trump has repeatedly pledged to negotiate a deal to end the Russia-Ukraine war. The US president-elect has already started doing the groundwork. His special Ukraine peace envoy, Keith Kellogg, told Fox News that Trump aims to end Russia's war against Ukraine within 100 days of his inauguration.

Russia-Ukraine war: Trump plans to end the war in 100 days: Trump's Ukraine envoy

The war rages on between Russia and Ukraine. In the latest, at least 13 people were killed and 29 others were injured after a Russian-guided missile struck Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia. This comes ahead of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's meeting with allies in Germany. Watch in for more details!

Russia-Ukraine War: Zelensky says nothing more cruel than launching air strikes on civilians

Russia-Ukraine war: Lloyd Austin says Kyiv needs more aid to stop Moscow's aggression

Russia-Ukraine War: At least 13 killed in air strikes in Zaporizhzhia

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy approval ratings have eroded further at a critical time for the Ukrainian army, as uncertainty grows over future international military aid. This is according to a survey released by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology. Watch in for more details!

Russia-Ukraine War: Ukrainians Losing Trust In President Zelensky?

According to a French army official, several Ukrainian soldiers have abandoned their posts while undergoing training in France. The report from AFP states that members of the 155th Mechanized Brigade, which was intended to be an elite unit for Ukraine and was trained and equipped by France, have deserted. This brigade, named ‘Anne of Kiev’ after the daughter of the medieval prince Yaroslav the Wise who wed French King Henry I, was personally reviewed by French President Emmanuel Macron in northeast France last October.

Russia-Ukraine War: Ukrainian Soldiers Go AWOL in France, Military Urges Recruits to Return to Base

As winter sets in, Ukraine’s army faces new and difficult challenges on the battlefield. Harsh weather conditions and the need for adapted strategies are testing the resilience and preparedness of Ukrainian forces amid ongoing conflict.

Russia-Ukraine War: Winter Battlefield Poses New Challenges for Ukraine’s Army

Russia-Ukraine War: Over 100,000 Ukrainian Troops Charged With Desertion

As winter's grip tightens, a dramatic escalation unfolds on both sides of the Russia-Ukraine border. While Moscow celebrates capturing the strategic town of Kharkiv, Ukrainian forces have launched a bold counteroffensive into Russia's Kursk region. Our next story takes a look at the changing battlefield dynamics.

Russia-Ukraine war: NATO cannot survive without US: Kyiv

On Epiphany, Ukrainians take part in the centuries-old tradition of plunging into the icy Dnipro River, celebrating the religious holiday with this cold-water ritual of renewal and faith.

Ukrainians Celebrate Epiphany with Traditional Plunge into the Dnipro River

In an interview, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed confidence in President-elect Donald Trump's ability to broker peace talks with Russia. Watch this report for more details!

Russia-Ukraine War: Macron urges 'realistic' expectations from Ukraine on territory

Russia-Ukraine War: Why Zelensky seeks Trump's guarantee for Ukraine's security?

Russia-Ukraine War: Putin does not want me to have good ties with Trump says Zelensky

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