Source: https://theguardian.com/world/2025/aug/15/vladimir-putin-letter-kim-jong-un-north-korean-troops-ukraine
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Full-scale invasion and national resilience, broadcasted live.
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Letter from Putin to Kim Jong-un on North Korean troops in Ukraine
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Russia’s Duma speaker thanks North Korea for Kursk soldiers
Russia'a Duma speaker Volodin delivered the letter to Kim in Pyongyang, thanked him for sending “excellent soldiers” to the Kursk operations. He added that Russia would always remember the North Korean troops “who fought at the cost of their lives in Russia”. 2/
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Putin calls North Korean troops heroic in Kursk letter
Putin calls North Korean troops in Ukraine “heroic” in a letter to Kim Jong-un on Korea’s liberation anniversary, The Guardian. He says they helped “liberate” Russia’s Kursk region from Ukrainian forces and frames it as proof of strong military ties. 1/
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Centralized command leads to Ukraine infantry shortage, Russia exploits and dodges sanctions
Centralized command makes low-level officers hesitant to preserve troops for fear of punishment. Ukraine faces infantry shortage, exploited by Russia. European and Ukrainian officials warn Russia may use cease-fire offers to dodge new U.S. sanctions while continuing the war. 5X
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Russian forces exploit gap, Ukrainian drone skills limited
Russian forces found a gap in Ukrainian lines after weeks of probing, exploiting it with large reserves. Ukrainians spot 150 Russian infantry daily but kill few due to limited drone skills. Ukrainians criticize army leaders for costly assaults with little strategic gain. 4/
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Putin seeks edge before Alaska talks
Putin seeks a battlefield advantage before talks in Alaska, aiming to increase pressure on Ukrainian-held cities in eastern Donetsk. At the summit, the Kremlin will push for U.S. recognition of its control over Donetsk and other occupied Ukrainian regions.
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Ukraine counterattacks Russian breach; Zelenskyy calls front most difficult
Ukraine is counterattacking small Russian groups that breached its first defense line. Zelenskyy called the area “the most difficult” on the front, noting some Russians were killed or captured. He said the push aims to show Russia advancing and Ukraine losing. 2/
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Russian forces break through Ukrainian defenses near Dobropillya
Russian forces broke through Ukrainian defenses near Dobropillya, advancing several miles deep — a rare gain in a war where Russia holds 20% of Ukraine. Zelenskyy said troops carried only handheld weapons, highlighting the unusual, lightly equipped assault, WSJ. 1/
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Trump: US may provide security guarantees to Ukraine, not NATO
Q: Will the US provide security guarantees to Ukraine?
— Tymofiy Mylovanov (@Mylovanov) 15 août 2025
Trump: Maybe. Along with Europe and other countries. Not in the form of NATO. There are certain things that aren't going to happen. 6/ pic.twitter.com/YCLKXHTJXYQ: Will the US provide security guarantees to Ukraine? Trump: Maybe. Along with Europe and other countries. Not in the form of NATO. There are certain things that aren't going to happen. 6/
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Trump says territorial swaps will be discussed, Ukraine decides
Q: Are the territorial swaps on the table?
— Tymofiy Mylovanov (@Mylovanov) 15 août 2025
Trump: They'll be discussed, but I've got to let Ukraine make that decision. I'm not here to negotiate for Ukraine. I'm here to get him at a table. 5/ pic.twitter.com/r1WjYO6FZ6Q: Are the territorial swaps on the table? Trump: They'll be discussed, but I've got to let Ukraine make that decision. I'm not here to negotiate for Ukraine. I'm here to get him at a table. 5/