Putin Orders Increase in Number of Troops and Zelenskyy Makes Statement on North Korean Soldiers
While Vladimir Putin increases the number of active-duty soldiers, Volodymyr Zelenskyy draws attention to the presence of North Korean troops in Russia.
Russian President Vladimir Putin decided to increase the number of active-duty troops, while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the number of North Korean soldiers on Russian territory and provided information on developments at the front.
Expansion of the Russian Army
Russian President Vladimir Putin issued a decree instructing to increase the country's active-duty troop count to 1.55 million.
Following this increase, the total size of Russia's armed forces reached 2,441,630 personnel.
North Korean Troops Claim
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated in his remarks on Monday that there were more than 8,000 North Korean soldiers on Russian territory.
Zelenskiy also stated that preparations were underway to deploy another 10,000 soldiers to the region.
Explosions and Casualties in Kyiv
Early Tuesday morning, sounds of explosions were heard in Ukraine's capital, Kyiv, and the mayor reported that damage occurred in the city.
Zelenskiy announced that 9 people lost their lives and more than 80 people were injured nationwide in Russian attacks on Monday.
International Reactions and Calls
Pope Leo called on Russia and Ukraine to sit at the negotiating table to end the war.
General Alexus Grynkewich, NATO's Supreme Allied Commander Europe, noted that Russia's sabotage campaigns have failed to break support.
Economic and Administrative Developments
Ukraine announced that it would postpone some spending commitments, including reconstruction, due to delays in foreign aid.
Russian President Putin transferred the assets of German retailer Metro AG in the country to temporary management.