North Korea

Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Andriy Sybiha signed an order on reforming the structure of the agency. The changes include the creation of new departments and directorates that correspond to the realities of war and international diplomatic practices.

Actress Park Gyu-young, who starred in the second season of "Squid Game", apologized for accidentally revealing a plot detail. She posted a photo hinting at Lee Jin-wook's character transforming into a guard, six months before the third season's release.

Russia is trying to involve Laos in the war against Ukraine by organizing the participation of Laotian engineering troops in demining territories of the Kursk region of the Russian Federation. Laos is ready to send up to 50 sappers and provides free assistance to the Russian Federation, rehabilitating wounded Russian military personnel.

US President Donald Trump, effective July 1, lifted sanctions against Syria, as well as a number of Russian banks, institutions, and individuals, including former FIDE head Kirsan Ilyumzhinov. Among the companies from which restrictions have been lifted is "Rosoboronexport," the sole state intermediary for arms exports in Russia.

North Korea plans to send an additional 25,000-30,000 troops to Russia, who will join the 11,000 soldiers already sent last year. These troops may be involved in combat operations in the occupied territories of Ukraine.

Russia helped North Korea establish the production of combat drones of the 'Shahed' type and is training their pilots. Russian instructors are working in Pyongyang and Wonsan, training operators of FPV and other strike UAVs.

Chief of the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine Kyrylo Budanov reported an expected significant increase in North Korean citizens in the Russian Federation who will sign contracts as volunteers. This contingent could number 12,000 people, which will change the perception of the DPRK's participation in the war.

Kyrylo Budanov reported on the appearance of Russian "Pantsir-S1" in Pyongyang and Russia's transfer of 'Shahed' production technologies to North Korea, which complicates the security situation on the Korean Peninsula.

North Korean Central Television showed footage of Kim Jong Un mourning North Korean soldiers who died in Russia's war against Ukraine in the Kursk region. At the repatriation ceremony, Kim placed the flag over the coffin, and photographs were shown at a joint cultural event of North Korea and Russia in Pyongyang.

Ri Sol-ju, Kim Jong-un's wife, made her first public appearance in 18 months at the opening of the Kalma resort, carrying a bag resembling a Gucci GG Marmont. The average monthly salary in North Korea is less than $4, while the accessory costs over $2,000.

Despite security threats, Ukrainians actively travel, choosing Lviv, Ivano-Frankivsk, and Zakarpattia regions. Volodymyr Tsaruk, director of the Tourism Development Center, noted that hotel prices have increased slightly, and seasonality affects the cost.

Ukraine plans to consider a meeting of leaders after humanitarian issues are resolved. Minister of Defense Rustem Umerov announced additional clarifications regarding the course of negotiations.

The Minister of Defense of Ukraine stated about the participation of 11,000 DPRK fighters in the war and the probable dispatch of additional forces. These units have already suffered significant losses, indicating the depletion of the DPRK's elite reserve.

Beijing views SCO countries as an "anchor of stability" amid international conflicts. NATO is observing China's reorganization and military buildup.

The Chinese government has called on NATO to correct its “misconception” of the Asian giant. Earlier, NATO Secretary General Stoltenberg said that China is reorganizing and building up its military power. NATO sees what China, North Korea, and Iran are doing, emphasized the NATO Secretary General.

North Korea opens Wonsan Kalma beach resort to domestic tourists after a six-year delay. According to dictator Kim Jong Un's plans, the resort should stimulate tourism development and attract foreigners, although it is currently only for locals.

South Korea claims North Korea may send troops to Russia in July or August and continues to supply weapons. In exchange for ammunition and missiles, Pyongyang is likely receiving technical advice on satellites and missile guidance systems.

Russia did not suffer from Iran's significant losses in the conflict with Israel, as it has established its own production of "Shahed" and accumulated a significant arsenal of missiles. Moscow is strengthening cooperation with China and North Korea to replenish its military resources.

Ukraine's prospects of joining NATO are diminishing, but the Alliance is considering increasing investment in the arms industry. So far, the US has not committed to providing further weapons, but European countries are financing the production of Ukrainian combat drones.

Russia is preparing the public and military for a potential war with NATO. NATO Secretary General Rutte points to Russia as the biggest existential threat and warns of a possible attack within 3-7 years, while Ukrainian President Zelenskyy believes that Russia will be ready for war with NATO by 2030.

PACE adopted a resolution confirming that Crimea is Ukraine and calling for the creation of a Special Tribunal, regardless of negotiations. The document also provides for new accusations from the ICC and compensation for damages since 2014.

President Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine has the potential to produce 8 million drones a year, but funding is only for a much smaller number. About 40% of Ukraine's defense potential, exceeding $44 billion, lacks proper funding.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated that the Alliance faces challenges due to Russia's aggressive rearmament, supported by Chinese technology. NATO is strengthening its production capabilities, opening hundreds of new production lines to increase the output of military equipment.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived in The Hague, where he met with acting Prime Minister of the Netherlands Dick Schoof. Issues of cooperation in drone production and a new package of military aid from the Netherlands were discussed.

European and Canadian NATO allies have increased military aid to Ukraine from 20 to over 35 billion euros for the current year. This decision, made on the eve of the NATO summit in The Hague, was supported by Kyiv's allied countries.

President Zelenskyy reacted to Russia's night attack on Kyiv and other cities, reporting destruction and casualties. He announced discussions on Ukraine's defense and pressure on Russia during his visit to Great Britain.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that there are 695,000 Russian military personnel on the territory of Ukraine. In the Sumy direction, the enemy advanced 200 meters, but the Armed Forces of Ukraine pushed them back 200-400 meters.

The Trump administration demands Asian allies, including South Korea, spend up to 5% of GDP on defense. This could lead to significant increases in defense budgets and disputes over their military presence.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that there are no intentions to conclude a truce with Ukraine due to "strategic superiority. " Andriy Kovalenko from the National Security and Defense Council emphasized that this is a message to the West, which does not understand the Russian mentality and must use force.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Russia is trying to save Iran's nuclear program. He emphasized the need to strengthen sanctions and cooperation to counter aggressive regimes. This was agreed upon at the G7 summit in Canada.