North Korea has given Russia more than 100 ballistic missiles, 5 million artillery

North Korea has provided Russia with significant military support, including over 100 short-range ballistic missiles and more than 5 million artillery shells, according to Ukraine's military intelligence (HUR) on Nov. 29. Pyongyang reportedly began supplying Russia with artillery systems in October, transferring over 100 pieces of equipment, including 170-mm M-1989 self-propelled artillery systems and 240-mm M-1991 multiple rocket launchers.

Additionally, North Korea continues to send large-caliber artillery ammunition and KN-23/24 ballistic missiles to Moscow. Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov's recent visit to Pyongyang underscores deepening ties between the two countries, following Russian President Vladimir Putin’s state visit to North Korea in June. Pyongyang has also reportedly dispatched over 10,000 troops to aid Russia's war efforts, with North Korean soldiers first engaging Ukrainian forces in Kursk Oblast.

These developments occur as Russia intensifies efforts to regain territory lost in Kursk Oblast after a Ukrainian incursion in August. Ukrainian forces have reportedly lost over 40% of previously captured territory in the region due to Russian counterattacks. NATO analysts believe Russian President Vladimir Putin aims to secure these gains ahead of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration on Jan. 20, potentially to strengthen Russia's position in future peace negotiations.

Turkey won't support peace plan with territorial concessions

Turkey has rejected the idea of a peace plan that freezes the conflict in Ukraine and requires Kyiv to make territorial concessions to Russia, according to Ukrainian lawmaker Ahtem Chiygoz, as reported by Ukrinform on Nov. 29. During a meeting of the parliamentary friendship groups between Ukraine and Turkey in Ankara, Turkish officials reaffirmed their support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, including Crimea.

Chiygoz addressed claims, often made by Russia, that Turkey supports a plan involving freezing the conflict and compromising Ukraine’s territorial claims. He emphasized that during high-level discussions, Turkish representatives assured Ukraine that such allegations were unfounded.

Turkey continues to support Ukraine and is committed to strengthening bilateral strategic relations, including parliamentary collaboration. Turkish officials also conveyed that they are working to ensure continued assistance to Ukraine, even amid global uncertainties, such as the upcoming U.S. presidential administration.

Earlier, on Nov. 18, Bloomberg reported that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan was expected to propose a peace plan during G20 discussions. The proposal allegedly involved freezing the current front line, delaying Ukraine’s NATO membership aspirations for 10 years, supplying Kyiv with weapons, and deploying international forces to a buffer zone in the Donbas. However, the Kremlin dismissed the plan as "unacceptable."

This stance by Turkey comes amid concerns that a shift in U.S. leadership, with Donald Trump’s election victory, could pressure Ukraine into a settlement that compromises its territorial integrity. Turkey’s commitment to a resolution that respects Ukraine's sovereignty reflects its strategic position and ongoing support for Kyiv.

UK intelligence identifies Russian`s Oreshnik missile launch as a message

Russia has launched its experimental Oreshnik missile, sending a strategic signal after Western countries approved Ukraine’s use of long-range weapons for strikes deep inside Russian territory.

The UK Ministry of Defence reported on Nov. 29 that the missile is likely a variant of the RS-26 Rubezh ballistic missile, first tested in 2011. Although Russia withdrew from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty in 2019, analysts believe development of the Oreshnik began prior to this.

According to British intelligence, the missile’s deployment is meant to respond to Ukraine’s increased ability to target Russian territory using Western-supplied long-range missiles. However, Russia’s stockpile of Oreshnik missiles is reportedly small, and serial production has not started. The missiles are also believed to be significantly more expensive than other systems currently being used by Moscow.

The Oreshnik launch highlights Russia’s attempt to demonstrate its strategic capabilities amid Ukraine’s expanding reach into Russian territory.