North Korea’s Kim bestows ‘hero’ titles on soldiers killed in Ukraine war

One million households in Ukraine are currently without power following a series of Russian attacks targeting the country's energy grid. These overnight strikes coincide with ongoing diplomatic efforts, including talks between U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Tensions are rising between the U.S. and Europe regarding strategies to resolve the ongoing Ukraine war, as highlighted by a discussion between NPR's Rob Schmitz and international relations expert Nathalie Tocci from Johns Hopkins University. Tocci emphasizes the differing political perspectives that are fueling this divide.

Russian attacks have left thousands in Ukraine without power as energy facilities were targeted, coinciding with ongoing peace talks. The situation remains dire as a ceasefire deal appears increasingly distant amidst escalating violence.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has expressed openness to holding elections in Ukraine, a move that comes amid increasing pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump and ongoing conflict with Russia. Zelenskyy's willingness to consider elections reflects the complex political landscape in Ukraine, where he previously campaigned as a reformist leader seeking dialogue with Russia.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky visited troops near Kupiansk, a city claimed by Russia but contested by Ukraine. This visit coincides with Ukraine's announcement of regaining control over two settlements in the northern Kharkiv region, indicating a shift in the ongoing conflict dynamics.

The European Union has agreed to indefinitely freeze Russian central bank assets held in Europe, immobilizing approximately €210 billion ($246 billion) of Russian sovereign assets. This decision aims to facilitate the use of these funds to support Ukraine in its defense against ongoing Russian aggression, eliminating the need for biannual votes to extend the freeze.

Ukraine has received 114 prisoners from Belarus as part of a US-brokered deal, which includes Ukrainian citizens accused of espionage and Belarusian political prisoners. This exchange took place on Saturday, coinciding with ongoing diplomatic efforts led by US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, who is set to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and European leaders in Berlin for peace talks.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un acknowledged that troops were sent to Russia's Kursk region to clear landmines, marking a rare admission by Pyongyang regarding the military tasks assigned to its soldiers. This statement was made during a ceremony in Pyongyang welcoming back the soldiers from their deployment in Ukraine.