"Russia strikes Ukraine following Trump's remarks on Putin – live updates"

Russia's Lavrov to Visit North Korea This Weekend

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov will travel to North Korea this weekend, as the two nations strengthen their diplomatic relations, according to a report by AFP.

Russia’s top security official, Sergei Shoigu, has made several trips to Pyongyang this year, including last month, when the two countries commemorated the first anniversary of a comprehensive military agreement.

AFP reported that North Korea has become a key ally for Moscow during its prolonged conflict in Ukraine, providing military personnel and weapons shipments to support Russia’s operations in the Kursk region.

Morning Update: Escalation in Ukraine Continues

Jakub Krupa

Despite criticism from U.S. President Donald Trump, who accused Vladimir Putin of aggressive tactics, Russia carried out a major overnight assault on Ukraine, launching the largest drone attack since the war began.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Russian forces targeted 741 locations using 728 drones and 13 missiles.

The intensity of the attack prompted Poland to deploy its own and allied aircraft to monitor and secure its airspace.

Zelenskyy remarked:

“This large-scale attack comes at a time when efforts for peace and a ceasefire are ongoing, yet Russia continues to reject all proposals.”

He emphasized that Russia’s ongoing military campaign highlights the necessity for stricter sanctions, particularly on oil exports, which have funded Moscow’s war efforts for years.

“Our allies understand how to apply the right pressure to push Russia toward ending the war rather than escalating it,” he added. “Those who seek peace must take action.”

In other developments, we will cover the second day of French President Emmanuel Macron’s state visit to Britain, the latest on wildfires in Marseille, and updates on trade discussions between the U.S. and the EU.