North Korean soldiers fight alongside Russians in Kursk Oblast

South Korean and US intelligence agencies have confirmed that North Korean soldiers are actively participating in combat operations in Russia, particularly in Kursk Oblast. Reports indicate that North Korean troops have been trained and gradually deployed to the battlefield over the past two weeks.

According to recent statements, over 10,000 North Korean soldiers have been stationed in eastern Russia, with most now moving to western Kursk Oblast to engage in combat alongside Russian forces.

Foreign Ministry addresses rumors of Kyiv's plans to build a nuclear bomb

On November 13, Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry firmly denied reports suggesting Kyiv’s intention to develop weapons of mass destruction, including nuclear arms. The Ministry reaffirmed Ukraine’s commitment to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), emphasizing that Ukraine neither possesses, develops, nor plans to acquire nuclear weapons. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Heorhii Tykhyi reiterated this commitment, stating that Ukraine maintains close cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), with full transparency in its monitoring, which rules out any use of nuclear materials for military purposes.

Recent media speculation followed an article claiming that Ukraine could potentially develop a rudimentary nuclear device within months, should U.S. military assistance under future leadership be interrupted. According to the article, a confidential briefing paper allegedly indicated that Ukraine might consider building a basic nuclear device using plutonium and mid-20th century technology if security assurances wavered.

The Ukrainian government has previously denied similar reports, maintaining that it has no plans to pursue nuclear armament. Speculation about nuclear options has increased since President Volodymyr Zelensky’s October comments, where he emphasized that Ukraine must either join NATO or consider nuclear capabilities for its security. However, Zelensky later clarified that his remarks aimed to highlight the shortcomings of the Budapest Memorandum, not an intention to develop nuclear weapons.

Signed in 1994, the Budapest Memorandum led Ukraine to surrender its nuclear arsenal in return for security assurances from the U.S., the U.K., and Russia. Despite this agreement, Ukraine continues to face security threats, and the topic remains a focal point in discussions about Ukraine’s future defense posture.

Ukrainian paramedic killed during evacuation of injured at front line

On November 13, Mariia-Khrystyna Dvoinik, known by her call sign "Alpaca," a dedicated paramedic with the Hospitallers Medical Battalion, lost her life while courageously working to evacuate an injured soldier. Mariia’s death is a tragic loss to her battalion and the many lives she touched with her compassion and bravery.

Yana Zinkevych, the founder of the Hospitallers Medical Battalion, paid tribute to Mariia’s fearless commitment: “She risked her life without hesitation to save her comrades. The Russians took her life, taking away our support and the military's chance to be saved. Her heart was always open to those in need. May our brave sister-in-arms, Alpaca, be remembered forever. She left behind warm memories that will live on in our hearts.”

The battalion described Mariia-Khrystyna as a vibrant, determined individual who loved learning and had big plans for the future. A devoted volunteer, she helped fundraise and dreamed of Ukraine’s reconstruction after victory, with unwavering dedication to her country.

Information on her burial will be shared on the Hospitallers’ official pages. Mariia-Khrystyna’s courage and selfless service will be remembered by her battalion and the country she served so faithfully.