Ukraine Live Briefing: 8,000 N. Korean Soldiers Now In Kursk

RFE/RL's Live Briefing gives you all of the latest developments on Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Western military aid to Kyiv, worldwide reaction, and the plight of civilians and refugees. For all of RFE/RL's coverage of the war, click here.

Latest Developments At A Glance

• The United States said on October 31 that it has information that some 8,000 North Korean soldiers are now in Russia’s Kursk region near the border with Ukraine, and Russia "fully intends" to deploy them in combat against Ukrainian troops.
• President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has reiterated his call on Ukraine's allies to allow Ukraine to use advanced Western weapons to hit deeper inside Russia in the aftermath of a Russian strike on Kharkiv that left three people dead and at least 36 wounded.
• Zelenskiy officially dismissed Prosecutor-General Andriy Kostin following investigations revealing numerous government officials allegedly evaded military service by falsely claiming disability benefits.
• The United States slapped sanctions on Serbian company Ventrade and the Montenegro-based International Business Corporation Bar (IBC) for exporting to Russia dual-use goods that can be used in the defense industry.
• The Kremlin has denied a report in the Western media that Moscow and Kyiv have been engaged in secret negotiations to curb strikes on each other's energy infrastructure.

Analysis: North Korean Troops Are 'Fair Game' In Russia's War Against Ukraine

After weeks of intelligence reports, it has been confirmed that North Korean troops have been deployed to Russia. The development raises concerns that they could be sent into battle against Ukraine, but there are questions about their readiness and what Pyongyang might get from Moscow in return. Read the story by Mike Scollon here.

Has Russia's Invasion Brought Ukraine And Romania Closer?

Romania's parliament has approved a two-year program to train Ukrainian marines, the latest in a series of moves by Bucharest to help Kyiv defend itself from Moscow's full-scale invasion. Romania has quietly become one of Ukraine's most indispensable allies. Read the story by Tony Wesolowsky here.

The Moment A Russian Shell Landed Next To An RFE/RL Crew In Ukraine

A Russian shell came close to directly hitting an RFE/RL crew on the front line in Ukraine's Donetsk region. By RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service, Roman Pahulych, and Pavlo Kholodov

Tense Times For Ukraine As Pressure Mounts On The Battlefield And Beyond

Russian forces push forward in the Donbas, diplomatic pressure on Kyiv increases, and the U.S. election looms. It's all adding up to one of the toughest points for Ukraine since Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022. Read the story by Steve Gutterman here.

The Fall Of Vuhledar: What Does It Mean For Ukraine's Beleaguered Military?

Ukraine lost the Donbas coal-mining city of Vuhledar, amid a relentless, months-long offensive by Russian forces. It probably doesn’t herald the entire collapse of Ukrainian lines, but it’s definitely not a good sign. Read the report by Mike Eckel here.

Will Ukraine Embrace Russian Refugees? Border Residents Are Not Excited

Skepticism prevailed in the Ukrainian border city of Sumy when locals were asked about government plans to accept refugees from Russia's Kursk region. Officials have said that civilians displaced by Ukraine's ongoing military incursion in Russia could be relocated and offered humanitarian aid. But one man speaking to RFE/RL on August 16 said: "Let their country protect them. We've got enough of our own suffering." Video report by RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service.

Why Is Ukraine Attacking Russia's Oil Refineries?

Russia said it would protect oil refineries better after several were struck by Ukrainian drones. Ukraine continues to hit the facilities, despite U.S. warnings against such attacks, as it launches larger and larger drone swarms. The strikes have decreased refinery output but beyond a morale boost for Ukraine, the effects are moderate so far. Read the story by Todd Prince here.

Interactive: Occupied, Militarized Crimea

As Ukrainian leaders vow to reclaim all territories seized by Russia, Moscow has prepared extensive defensive measures, particularly in Crimea, a region unlawfully annexed in 2014. This area, now under Russian occupation, has been heavily militarized with an array of air bases and army bases, making it one of the most fortified zones in the war. View the interactive map by Crimea.Realities, Schemes, RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service, and Central Newsroom here.