Putin pledges continued fight as North Korea sends troops
Russia's leader, Vladimir Putin, stated on Friday that he is unable to determine when his army will defeat Ukraine on the battlefield but emphasized that Russian forces are ready to continue fighting until victory is achieved.
Putin noted that Russian troops are becoming increasingly technologically advanced. He described the conflict in Ukraine as a war between Russia and NATO, with the Alliance conducting operations using Ukrainian troops.
However, it is not true that Russia is fighting alone. For instance, North Korea is assisting. On Friday, the South Korean National Intelligence Service (NIS) reported that North Korea has decided to send a large number of troops to support Russia in the war with Ukraine.
About 12,000 military personnel are expected to form four brigades, which will include special units.
Ukraine has two options. Russia will not allow it
Regarding information about Saudi Arabia's plans to organize peace talks with Ukraine, the Russian leader stated that Moscow is ready for dialogue with Kyiv but only "on the basis of what had already been previously agreed."
This refers to the so-called Istanbul Agreement from April 2022. According to "The New York Times," its main provisions include Ukraine's recognition of Crimea as part of Russia, Ukraine's commitment to never join NATO or other alliances, Russia's demand that Ukraine make Russian an official language, Ukraine's allies' commitment to intervene if it were attacked again, and the lifting of sanctions on Russia imposed by Ukraine and all other treaty signatories since 2014.
Putin also responded to statements by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who on Thursday declared that his country has two options: either join NATO or acquire nuclear weapons.
This is a dangerous provocation. Any step in this direction will be met with a corresponding reaction, said the Russian leader.
