Ukraine
North Korean troops are suffering heavy casualties in Russia
North Korea’s decision to deploy troops to the Kursk region of Russia was seen as an escalation of the conflict. It was said that the North Korean leader hoped his forces would return home battle-tested and ready to fight for the homeland. US officials say Russia has deployed some 8,000 North Koreans in the region, the border area where Ukrainian forces seized Russian territory in a surprise attack over the summer. But as The World’s Daniel Ofman tells us, far fewer troops may return home than Pyongyang expected.
US to send military contractors to Ukraine
The Biden administration will begin sending US military contractors to Ukraine. This policy reversal was first reported late last week, and signals a shift in US willingness to support Ukraine’s military effort. Contractors will play a limited but significant role on the ground in Ukraine.
Russia and Ukraine react cautiously to Trump reelection
In Europe, many countries will be paying close attention to the Trump administration’s approach to the war between Russia and Ukraine. While campaigning, Trump said that he would “end” the war in Ukraine within 24 hours of becoming president. So far, government officials in both Russia and Ukraine are being cautious in their statements about Trump and his policy toward the war.
India’s Diamond City is reeling from the war in Ukraine
Sanctions on Russian diamonds, imposed in response to the war in Ukraine, have damaged business in Surat, India’s diamond polishing hub. Many of the city’s diamond artisans from lower-income communities have become collateral damage in a tussle between the West and Russia.
