North Korea
Lee Jae-myung called for talks with North Korea, proposing to replace the armistice with a peace regime. He also emphasized the need to prevent conflict and limit Pyongyang’s nuclear capabilities.
Japan strongly protests against putin's visit to Iturup, which it considers its territory. The visit took place after the launch of a missile by North Korea.
On August 12, North Korea launched a ballistic missile from the Wonsan area, marking the second test in a week. The launch took place amid preparations for joint U.S.–South Korean exercises.
Iran announced plans to create a ballistic missile with a range of up to 15,000 km, which could reach U. S. territory. It is noted that this would require a complex technological step, possibly involving the use of North Korean technologies.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged Ukrainians to respond to air raid alerts. He reported new strikes by the Russian Federation, including missile strikes from North Korea, on Kyiv and Zaporizhzhia; there are deaths and injuries.
Ukraine has stopped reporting the number of Russian missiles due to security measures. Kyiv needs more interceptors from allies, especially Patriots.
The South Korean government maintains a cautious position regarding Ukraine's request for air defense support, emphasizing compliance with domestic law. Seoul continues to provide only humanitarian aid, refraining from supplying lethal weapons.
President Zelenskyy said that Russia had received additional ballistic missiles from North Korea and planned to deploy additional troops. He emphasized that this creates threats not only for Ukraine, but also for Japan and Korea.
Andriy Kovalenko, head of the National Security and Defense Council's Center for Countering Disinformation, said that North Korea is interested in gaining experience from Russia's war against Ukraine in preparation for aggression on the Korean Peninsula. Pyongyang may also see opportunities arising from the confrontation between the United States and Iran.
The Kimsuky hacking group has created tools for running AI models locally and analyzing stolen data. They also use AI to create phishing campaigns and malware.
Zelenskyy said that Russia wants to deploy between 30,000 and 50,000 North Koreans on its territory. Pyongyang is studying Russia’s war against Ukraine, while Kyiv is calling on South Korea to strengthen cooperation.
According to Bloomberg, Kim Jong Un received up to $22 billion in foreign revenues from 2022 to 2025, four times more than in the previous period. This was made possible in part by supplying weapons and troops to Russia.
North Korean authorities recommend hot dishes, including dog meat soup, to combat the heat. Temperatures on the peninsula are reaching 40°C, while South Korea is recording fatalities.
The U. S. military said an investigation confirmed there had been no white phosphorus leak at Osan Air Base. The residue turned out to be harmless corrosion, and there were no injuries.
North Korea fired a short-range ballistic missile near its east coast; the launch was detected by South Korea and Japan. South Korea's military has intensified surveillance and is coordinating actions with the United States and Japan.
According to the GUR, Russia plans to deploy a North Korean missile unit with 120 missiles and six launchers. This is an expansion of military cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang.
Kim Jong Un's sister Kim Yo Jong stated that additional military measures are being prepared in response to Japan's strengthening of its defense capabilities. Pyongyang accused Tokyo of turning into a "military state."
The United States imposed sanctions against Russian military structures, including the Ground Forces, for violating the arms non-proliferation law regarding Iran, Syria, and North Korea. The restrictions took effect on July 24.
Japan's Defense Minister stated the need to strengthen defense capabilities with a sense of urgency. The new "white paper" points to China's increased activity and Russia's cooperation with North Korea.
Russia has again started using North Korean missiles, indicating a new stockpile of weapons. The missile that killed five people in Radushne was likely North Korean.
President Zelenskyy reported that preliminary data indicates Russia's use of a North Korean ballistic missile. He called on partners to provide air defense missiles to stop the war.
The US is considering delaying or blocking the candidacy of France's ambassador after Paris criticized the state of human rights in the US. The step could deepen the rift between allies.
The President of Ukraine appealed to the US for an emergency winter package of interceptors for Patriot. Trump agreed to continue work on licenses for missile production in Ukraine.
Russia and North Korea have almost completed the construction of the first road bridge, which could be used for military supplies. Officially, the bridge is intended for trade and tourism, but it raises concerns due to the possible transfer of troops.
President Zelenskyy stated that Russia is preparing to accept 30,000 military personnel from North Korea. The preparation has been ongoing in the Voronezh region since June, and North Korea will also transfer new launchers.
The beta testing of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 starts on August 21 with early access for pre-order customers. The second open weekend for all platforms, including Nintendo Switch 2, will take place from August 28 to September 1.
In Russia, 16. 4 million people (20% of workers) are self-employed, indicating a failure of voluntary payment of contributions to the social fund. In the first quarter, only 9% of the annual plan was received.
54-year-old Chen Yulin was arrested in November 2024 during a trip to Beijing. The US government, according to reports, suspects a connection with China's nuclear tests.
Ukraine has something to offer European partners, and the FREYJA project is not only about protecting Ukrainian skies but also a response to the threat from Russia to all of Europe.
President Zelenskyy stated that the existing anti-ballistic missile capabilities are insufficient, and the number of ballistic missiles will increase. Ukraine proposed to European leaders the creation of a joint air defense system FREYJA, offering its own interceptor missile.