The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) reports that Viktor Medvedchuk, a close associate of Russian President Vladimir Putin and former leader of Ukraine's banned Opposition Platform for Life party, has openly advocated for the annexation of Ukraine by Russia.

In a recently published article, Medvedchuk called for the reclamation of what he described as Russia's "historic lands." The article included a map depicting Ukrainian territories east of Lviv, Ternopil, and Chernivtsi as part of "historical Russia."

Medvedchuk argued that Ukraine's independence was a "mistake of history" and suggested that its integration into Russia would correct this. He accused the West of using Ukraine to destabilize Russia from within and labeled Ukrainians as "modern barbarians" whom Russia should "save."

The ISW highlighted that Medvedchuk's rhetoric aligns with the Kremlin's long-standing strategy of denying Ukraine's sovereignty. His statements underscore Russia's systemic refusal to engage in good-faith negotiations with Ukraine or the West.

"Medvedchuk's rhetoric as a member of the Russian elite with extensive ties to Putin represents the Kremlin's core unwillingness to negotiate with Ukraine – a state and government it considers illegitimate," the ISW stated.

North Korean missile accuracy improves after it was testet at the battlefield in Ukraine

North Korean missiles used by Russia in its war against Ukraine have shown increased accuracy since December, Ukrainian officials report. The missiles, now capable of hitting targets within 50 to 100 meters, indicate that Pyongyang is using the conflict as a testing ground to enhance its weapons technology.

According to a Ukrainian military source, over 20 ballistic missiles launched by Russia and believed to be of North Korean origin have demonstrated this heightened precision in recent weeks. Another government official familiar with the situation confirmed the trend.

The deepening cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang has sparked international concern. Yang Uk, a weapons expert from the Asan Institute for Policy Studies in Seoul, warned that these advancements pose a growing threat to global security. "The enhanced accuracy of North Korean missiles presents a growing security threat to South Korea, Japan, and the United States. This can have a major impact on stability in the region and the world," he stated.

North Korea has made significant progress in its missile programs, particularly with short- and medium-range weapons, which Pyongyang claims can carry nuclear warheads. Reuters highlighted that until its involvement in the Russo-Ukrainian war, North Korea had never deployed its advanced missile systems in live combat, making this development a troubling milestone in its weapons strategy.

Ukraine brings back 150 soldiers from Russian captivity

Ukraine successfully brought back 150 soldiers from Russian captivity on 5 February, President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on social media. The freed defenders include privates, sergeants, and officers from various branches of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

According to Zelensky, the group comprises service members from the Navy, Air Force, Air Assault and Ground Forces, National Guard, Border Guard Service, and Territorial Defense Forces, as well as a police officer. "These defenders are from different frontline areas, but they share one thing in common: they fought for Ukraine," Zelensky emphasized.

Some of the soldiers had spent over two years in captivity. "Today is a day that means more to them and their families than the years of waiting. It’s a real joy to see them at home, alive and free," Zelensky said. The Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War played a key role in securing their release.