Pentagon lets Ukraine fire on North Koreans with US Arms
Oct 29, 2024
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James Rothwell, a Berlin Correspondent for The Telegraph, discusses the strategic shifts in Donetsk amid Russian advances. James Kilner reports live from the BRICS summit, shedding light on Russia’s attempts to bolster alliances during ongoing conflicts. Meanwhile, Nate Ostiller shares insights from Tbilisi, where protests erupt following contested elections, stirring political unrest. The conversation spans international relations, military strategies, and North Korea's rising involvement in the conflict, all underscoring the multifaceted global ramifications of the war.
Russian advances in Donetsk have exacerbated resource shortages for Ukraine, as the fall of Selido impacts local logistics significantly.
The Pentagon's approval for Ukraine to engage North Korean troops with U.S. arms highlights escalating international military involvement in the conflict.
Deep dives
Russian Advances in Donetsk
Russian forces have reportedly made significant progress in Donetsk, capturing the town of Selido and surrounding areas, which are strategically important for Ukrainian logistics. The Ukrainian response suggests that Russian forces have been operating under near total air superiority, enabling them to control vital areas and perform artillery operations with increased precision. The fall of Selido, which previously housed the only Ukrainian-controlled coal mine in the region, is anticipated to severely impact Ukraine's resource availability. The evolving battlefield situation in eastern Ukraine necessitates close observation as further engagements are expected to unfold.
North Korean Troops and NATO Relations
Reports indicate that approximately 3,000 North Korean troops have been secretly moved to the Kursk region, raising concerns about their deployment alongside Russian forces. Ukrainian officials have raised doubts about the combat readiness and experience of these soldiers, characterizing many as inexperienced and potentially used as cannon fodder by Russian commanders. The Pentagon has confirmed that Ukraine can engage these North Korean forces with U.S.-supplied weapons, which underscores the evolving dynamics of international military involvement in the conflict. The Ukrainian government has urged its allies to lift restrictions on long-range strikes against Russia, emphasizing the need for a robust response to the situation.
Political Unrest in Georgia
Political tensions have escalated in Georgia following contentious election results, with opposition parties alleging widespread voter fraud. Protests erupted in Tbilisi, drawing large crowds that expressed dissatisfaction with the current government’s perceived alignment with Moscow. International observers, including EU ministers, have condemned the election irregularities and called for a transparent investigation into the complaints raised by the opposition. This civil unrest is noted to evoke comparisons to Ukraine's Maidan protests, reflecting a growing sentiment for change among the Georgian populace.
Scholz's NATO Stance and European Politics
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz's recent remarks regarding NATO have sparked tensions within the alliance, as he rejected the prospect of Ukraine joining NATO in the near future. His comments were criticized by NATO sources who argue that accepting Ukraine into the alliance could deter further Russian aggression. A noteworthy political shift is occurring in Germany, with increased calls from the opposition for a stronger stance on military aid to Ukraine, including the possible delivery of Taurus missiles. As the political landscape evolves, these debates highlight a potential change in Germany's approach to its relationship with both Russia and NATO commitments.
Today, we assess reports of Russian progress in Donetsk, hear live from Tbilisi as protestors crowd the streets following the weekend’s contested election, and hear from our correspondent who was on the ground at the BRICS summit in Russia.
Contributors:
Francis Dearnley (Assistant Comment Editor). @FrancisDearnley on X.
James Rothwell (Berlin Correspondent). @JamesERothwell on X.
James Kilner (Moscow Desk). @jkjourno on X.
Nate Ostiller (Editor at OC Media). @NateOstiller on X.
Content Referenced:
More Ukrainian Defenses Fall as Russia’s Eastern Offensive Rolls On (Kyiv Post):