North Korean leader Kim Jong Un assured Russia's top diplomat Sergei Lavrov of unconditional support for all of Moscow's actions regarding the "conflict" in Ukraine. Lavrov is on a three-day visit to the DPRK, which has provided troops and weapons for Russia's war against Ukraine.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov met with DPRK leader Kim Jong Un during a visit to North Korea. Earlier, Lavrov held talks with his North Korean counterpart Choe Son Hui.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov arrived on an official visit to North Korea. He declared an "invincible brotherhood" between the countries, and North Korea assured support for Russia's policy regarding the protection of its territorial integrity.
Ukrainian defenders destroyed a North Korean-made Type 75 multiple rocket launcher system in the Kupyansk direction. This was carried out by pilots of the First Presidential Brigade "Bureviy".
The US Senate Armed Services Committee approved the National Defense Authorization Act, which provides for $500 million in aid to Ukraine and extends the Security Assistance Initiative until 2028.
The head of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense, Kyrylo Budanov, stated that North Korea supplies Russia with up to 40% of ammunition for the war in Ukraine. Pyongyang also sends ballistic missiles and artillery systems, receiving money and technology from Russia.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine has created a department for unfriendly countries to counter those who help Russia in the war. It will deal with diplomatic, sanction, and political measures against regimes such as Belarus and North Korea.
More than 500 foreigners from 28 countries have died at the front in Russia's war against Ukraine. Among them, the majority are citizens of Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, many of whom ended up at the front from Russian penal colonies.
South Korea, the US, and Japan conducted joint air exercises over international waters near Jeju Island, involving a B-52H bomber. This is part of efforts to strengthen the response to nuclear and missile threats from North Korea.
The Center of National Resistance reports on Russia's preparation for a new wave of hidden mobilization in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine. Putin signed a law allowing the conclusion of contracts with the Russian army for "residents without citizenship," and fines for not informing military commissariats about one's place of residence have been increased.
President Zelenskyy signed decrees on synchronizing Ukrainian sanctions with the 15th, 16th, and 17th packages of anti-Russian restrictions from the European Union. The new sanctions also target companies from China that supply components for Russian weapons production, including "Shaheds."
Russia is involving North Korean military personnel in the war in Ukraine, which creates prerequisites for obtaining cheaper volunteers. Head of the Presidential Office Andriy Yermak emphasizes the risk of war between NATO and Russia due to the use of DPRK troops.
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.
