As the war enters its 981st day, these are the main developments.
Here is the situation on Saturday, November 2:
Fighting
- In a harrowing overnight assault, at least two individuals sustained injuries following a Russian drone barrage targeted at Kyiv, the Ukrainian capital. Serhiy Popko, the head of Kyiv’s military administration, reported that debris from intercepted drones struck three distinct city districts, leading to damage of residential structures and igniting several fires.
- A significant Russian missile strike on Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city, targeted a police facility, tragically claiming the life of at least one officer and injuring 40 others. Among the wounded were nine civilians and one rescue worker, as disclosed by the prosecutor general’s office via the Telegram messaging app. Kharkiv Governor Oleh Syniehubov provided additional context, indicating that a previous attack had also inflicted damage on an apartment complex and multiple private residences.
Rescuers inspect the remains of a residential building after a strike in Kharkiv, on November 1, 2024 [Sergey Bobok/AFP]
North Korean troops in Ukraine
- North Korea’s Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui firmly expressed her country’s unwavering support for Russia, promising to stand by its side until a decisive victory is achieved in Ukraine. This declaration comes amidst escalating tensions in the region.
- During Choe’s recent visit to Moscow, the United States cautioned about the proximity of thousands of North Korean soldiers at the Ukrainian border, indicating that they are preparing to enter combat in the upcoming days, further heightening the stakes in the conflict.
- Choe reiterated North Korea’s commitment to expanding its nuclear arsenal, amidst widespread speculation that Pyongyang seeks advanced nuclear technology from Russia, potentially in return for enhanced military support during the ongoing conflict.
- In a meeting with Choe, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov underscored the “very close ties” shared between their nations’ military forces and intelligence services, noticeably refraining from mentioning the concerning troop movements.
- In a strong response to the developing situation, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy criticized his western allies for their lack of decisive action in light of the North Korean troop deployment. For months, Zelenskyy has implored his allies to provide Ukraine with long-range missile capabilities to target sites within Russia, thereby increasing pressure on Moscow to resolve the ongoing hostilities.
- “We have precise intel on the locations where these North Korean troops are assembling within Russia. A preemptive strategy could be employed if we had the appropriate means—specifically, long-range capabilities. However, America, the UK, and Germany appear to do little more than observe,” he stated on the social media platform X.
Diplomacy
- The United States government announced a substantial $425 million military assistance package for Ukraine, which encompasses vital air defense interceptors and munitions for both rocket systems and artillery. This latest aid brings the overall military assistance provided by the US to Ukraine since the onset of Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022 to a staggering $60.4 billion.
- Amid rising tensions with Russia, North Korea, and China, Japan and the European Union unveiled a comprehensive new security and defense partnership in Tokyo. EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell characterized this collaboration as a historic and “very timely” development, asserting that it is essential to tackle emerging global threats effectively.
- In an alarming interview with the Turkish newspaper Hurriyet, Lavrov voiced concerns about the potential escalation between Washington and Moscow, warning that both nations are teetering on the brink of a “direct military” clash while openly criticizing US President Joe Biden.
- On the topic of the forthcoming US presidential elections, Lavrov indicated that Russia holds “no preference” between the Republican candidate Donald Trump and Democratic contender Kamala Harris, suggesting that regardless of the outcome, the existing “Russophobic course” of the United States is unlikely to change.
- China, through its Ministry of Foreign Affairs, expressed a lack of concern regarding the burgeoning relationships between North Korea and Russia, emphasizing that the development of their bilateral relations remains a matter for the two countries.
- In light of North Korea’s support for Russia, South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul confirmed that all possible scenarios concerning the provision of weapons to Ukraine are under serious consideration by Seoul.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, right, with his North Korean counterpart Choe Son Hui in Moscow, Russia [Russian Foreign Ministry via AP]
Courts
- In a stern legal move, Russia sentenced two individuals in the annexed region of Crimea to lengthy prison terms of 14 and 16 years on charges of treason, accusing them of collaborating with Ukraine’s security services amidst the ongoing war.
- A Russian court is set to put a 20-year-old student on trial this month for alleged treason linked to Ukraine. The defendant, Nikita Zhuravel, originally from Crimea, has been incarcerated in Chechnya following accusations of burning the Quran in Volgograd.
- A former employee of the US consulate in Vladivostok, located in Russia’s far east, received a sentence of four years and 10 months in prison for “secret collaboration with a foreign state,” as reported by various Russian news agencies.
**Interview with Dr. Anna Volkov, International Relations Expert**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us, Dr. Volkov. Let’s dive right in. The recent developments in Ukraine, particularly the potential involvement of North Korean troops, have sparked significant concern. How do you see this impacting the overall dynamics of the conflict?
**Dr. Volkov:** Thank you for having me. The involvement of North Korean troops in the conflict can certainly escalate tensions. North Korea’s support for Russia, especially their promise to deploy troops, may embolden Russian tactics and provide them with additional manpower. This could lead to a more protracted conflict, putting both Ukrainian and Russian forces in a precarious position.
**Interviewer:** Ukrainian President Zelenskyy has urged his allies to provide long-range missile capabilities in light of this threat. How critical is this support in his view, and what might the consequences be if it doesn’t materialize?
**Dr. Volkov:** Zelenskyy’s call for long-range missile capabilities reflects a growing frustration among Ukrainian leadership regarding the perceived slow response from Western allies. If Ukraine is not equipped with these capabilities, it risks being unable to preemptively strike or respond effectively to the incoming North Korean troops or further Russian advances. This could shift the momentum of the war decidedly in Russia’s favor.
**Interviewer:** In light of this new North Korean support, do you foresee any changes in U.S. military policy regarding Ukraine?
**Dr. Volkov:** The U.S. has already committed a substantial amount of military aid to Ukraine, as we see with the latest $425 million package. However, the introduction of North Korean troops may push the U.S. and its allies to reconsider their tactical support and perhaps provide Ukraine with enhanced capabilities sooner rather than later. It’s a delicate balance of support while avoiding an escalation into direct confrontation.
**Interviewer:** Speaking of confrontation, Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov recently warned of escalating tensions between Russia and the United States. Do you think this rhetoric signifies an increased risk of military escalation?
**Dr. Volkov:** Absolutely. Lavrov’s comments suggest that the Kremlin is aware of the increasing stakes in this conflict. As the situation develops, any miscalculation could indeed lead to a direct military confrontation. The involvement of multiple nations complicates the strategic landscape, making the need for careful diplomacy more essential than ever.
**Interviewer:** Lastly, what steps should the international community take in response to these developments to stabilize the situation?
**Dr. Volkov:** The international community should prioritize diplomatic engagement to de-escalate tensions, alongside a robust package of military support for Ukraine. It’s essential not only to counteract the immediate threats but also to start dialogues with Russia and North Korea to prevent any further escalation. A unified front with clear communication and coordinated responses can help mitigate the risks involved.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Volkov, for your insights. The situation remains fluid, and it will be interesting to see how these developments unfold.
**Dr. Volkov:** Thank you for having me. It’s certainly a critical time for global security, and I hope for a peaceful resolution.
