
AI-generated summary
Since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, North Korea has become an important ally of Russia, providing military support and reaping economic and technological rewards. South Korea's intelligence agency once estimated that about 2,000 North Korean soldiers were killed in the conflict, but recent estimates have seen the casualties rise to about 6,000. Relations between Ukraine and South Korea have been tense recently, in part due to Ukraine's move to hand over captured North Korean soldiers to South Korea, which South Korea viewed as a leak of classified information. South Korean law currently prohibits the provision of military aid to warring countries, so it has not yet provided lethal weapons to Ukraine.
On the 7th, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un sent a letter to Russian President Vladimir Putin to congratulate him on his birthday and promised in the letter that North Korea would continue to support Russia. The picture shows Kim Jong Un shaking hands with Putin at Kim Il Sung Square in Pyongyang on June 19, 2024. (AFP file photo)
On the 7th, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un sent a letter to Russian President Vladimir Putin to congratulate him on his birthday. In the letter, he promised that North Korea would continue to support Russia and called the war launched by Russia in Ukraine "sacred."
According to the "AFP" report, North Korea's official media "Korean Central News Agency" stated on the 7th that Kim Jong-un said in the letter that he was happy to maintain a good friendship with Putin and open a new chapter in the development of bilateral relations. Kim Jong-un reiterated that he continues to support Putin and Russia and firmly believes that the Russian people's sacred war for justice will end in Russia's victory.
Please read on...
Since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, North Korea has become an important ally of Russia. North Korea sent troops to support Russia's war effort in exchange for economic benefits and military technology. South Korea's intelligence agency estimated last year that about 2,000 North Korean soldiers were killed in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and more recently estimated the number of North Korean soldiers killed or injured at about 6,000.
In addition, Kim Jong-un sent this letter at a time when relations between Ukraine and South Korea were tense. Ukrainian President Zelensky previously revealed that two captured North Korean soldiers had been handed over to South Korea. South Korea has accused Ukraine of leaking important information, saying the operation should have been kept secret.
The incident complicates Ukraine's request for weapons from South Korea. South Korea has not yet provided lethal weapons to Ukraine because it prohibits military aid to belligerents.
No need to draw, no need to grab. Now use the APP to read the news. You are guaranteed to win every day. Click me to download the APP. Click me to see the event details.
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
South Korea will increase surveillance and intelligence collection on North Korea's military activities
Likely · Within weeks
Discussions on military cooperation between Ukraine and South Korea will be hindered, and an agreement to provide lethal weapons is unlikely to be reached in the short term
Likely · Within months

On the second day of her visit to the United States, former President Tsai Ing-wen met with Pelosi, the former Democratic speaker of the House of Representatives, at her hotel. Pelosi praised Tsai Ing-wen on Facebook as a brave defender of democracy. The two sides talked about Taiwan-US relations and world changes. Tsai Ing-wen also presented a silk scarf from a Taiwanese designer as a souvenir.

Several ASEAN members have increased bilateral engagement with Myanmar recently, prompting analyst concerns that such moves could undermine efforts to end the country's civil war. This comes amid a repatriation scheme under which 1,479 returnees were transported from Malaysia via two navy warships and a hospital ship, a program criticized by human rights groups and the UN refugee agency.

After a US soldier stationed in Okinawa was arrested on suspicion of robbing and killing a Japanese woman at a hotel in Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture, Watson, the top commander of the US military stationed in Okinawa, ordered a 30-day travel restriction for all personnel starting from the 9th, and suspended daily duties for disciplinary training. During this period, drinking and going out outside of duty hours were prohibited. The Japanese government has lodged a strong protest with the United States.

The FBI arrested a Chinese woman named Zhang Wanying who was suspected of spying on Lai Ting, the son of Taiwan President Lai Ching-te, and his family for the Chinese government. Former U.S. Vice President Mike Pence said that China is the biggest economic and strategic threat facing the United States in the 21st century. The Wall Street Journal editorial pointed out that this incident was the latest evidence of Chinese espionage, saying that Beijing's actions harmed U.S. interests and failed to act as a force for world peace.

During an inspection at a Maryland shipyard, U.S. President Trump said that the United States bears almost all the responsibility alone in the conflict with Iran, and that global allies have shifted the burden to the United States. He criticized allies for being unwilling to fund or send ships to assist, emphasizing that the United States is willing to take responsibility and thus becomes stronger, while other countries become weaker.

US President Donald Trump said he would soon speak with Russian President Vladimir Putin about a reported plague death of a laboratory technician in Siberia's Irkutsk region, as Washington pressed Moscow for transparency. Russian authorities denied imposing anti-plague measures and downplayed the incident, while Secretary of State Marco Rubio and the WHO urged Russia to share more information.