Ukraine war briefing: North Korea sending 50,000 troops to Russia

North Korea is allegedly increasing its military support for Russia by sending up to 50,000 soldiers, along with previously supplied missiles and artillery. Ukraine is urging South Korea to provide air defense systems, while also arranging to purchase a significant weapons package from Turkey. The conflict continues with missile and drone strikes causing civilian casualties and damaging infrastructure on both sides.

• Up to 50,000 North Korean soldiers may be deployed in Russia, an increase from previous estimates.
• Ukraine is seeking air defense systems from South Korea.
• Turkey is preparing to sell Ukraine 70 ATACMS missiles, 47,000 artillery rounds, 12 MLRS, and cluster bombs.
• Russian missile strikes killed two in Kharkiv and injured others in Odesa and Pavlohrad.
• Ukrainian drone strikes reportedly killed five in Russia’s Belgorod region.
• A WHO warehouse in Dnipro was destroyed.
• A drone entered Bulgarian airspace, believed to be of Ukrainian type, though no damage was reported.
• Fragments of a combat drone were found in Moldova.
• The UK defense secretary urged allies to boost Ukraine’s air defenses for the winter.
• Pope Francis called for respect for international humanitarian law and an end to attacks on civilian targets.