Ukraine war briefing: key eastern Ukrainian city under assault as Russia hails cooperation with North Korea
The GuardianSunday, June 29, 2025 at 2:52:32 AM
Russian forces are ramping up attacks on the eastern Ukrainian city of Kostiantynivka, as Ukraine’s top commander warns of a fresh offensive. Meanwhile, Russia is touting closer ties with North Korea, with its culture minister visiting Pyongyang. The fighting continues on day 1,222 of the war, with Moscow also claiming gains in another southern sector.
Editor’s Note: This isn’t just another battlefield update—it shows Russia pushing harder in the east while deepening alliances with isolated regimes like North Korea. The assault on Kostiantynivka could signal a new phase in the grinding war, and Russia’s outreach to Pyongyang hints at longer-term geopolitical shifts. For Ukraine, holding the line is getting tougher as Western aid lags. Every day this drags on, the stakes get higher.
— Curated via WP Now’s
