DPRK troops have already arrived in Kursk region, and ICC recognizes that Mongolia violated Rome Statute: highlights for October 24

North Korean troops are already in Kursk region

Ukrainian intelligence has documented that the first units of the North Korean military have already arrived in the area of hostilities between Russia and Ukraine. On October 23, they were spotted in the Kursk region of Russia.

Among the 12,000 DPRK troops sent to Russia are 500 officers, including three generals.

Russian leader Vladimir Putin did not deny the presence of North Korean troops in Russia, recalling the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Agreement with North Korea.

“We have never doubted that the North Korean leadership is serious about the agreement. But what we will do and how we will do it is our business within this article,” he said.

Headquarters of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief to develop 'internal' strengthening plan

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed that Ukraine is developing an “internal” strengthening plan that will exist alongside the Victory Plan.

The plan's steps will cover “the frontline, defense industry, economy and finance, information, justice, regional work, and other strategic areas”. Zelenskyy entrusted the preparation of the plan to the members of the Headquarters of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief to develop “internal” strengthening plan, and NSDC Secretary Oleksandr Lytvynenko is to organize the work.

ICC finds that Mongolia violated the Rome Statute

The International Criminal Court has recognized that Mongolia did not cooperate in the arrest of Russian President Vladimir Putin when he was on its territory, contrary to the provisions of the Rome Statute.

Pre-Trial Chamber II of the ICC noted that “given the seriousness of Mongolia's refusal to cooperate with the Court”, it decided to refer the case to the Assembly of States Parties.

BBC: Zelenskyy will not sign the law on time change

Volodymyr Zelenskyy does not plan to sign a law that would abolish seasonal time change, according to sources in the president's team.

The Rada passed it in July of this year, and the law was sent to the president for his signature in August. The source claims that the law will never be signed, and the deadline for vetoing it has already passed.

Shooting of Ukrainian prisoners

Russian troops shot dead four soldiers of the National Guard of Ukraine near Selydove in the Donetsk region. Law enforcement officials are investigating a violation of the laws and customs of war combined with premeditated murder.

On October 6, the occupiers stormed Ukrainian fortifications and captured the NGU soldiers. They then videotaped the interrogation of the wounded unarmed National Guardsmen.

The next day, the Defense Forces regained their lost positions and discovered the bodies of the killed Ukrainian soldiers during a search operation.

New branch of the Armed Forces of Ukraine

Ukraine announced the creation of the Armed Forces Cyber Force as a separate branch of the Armed Forces. Representatives of the Ukrainian Defense Forces, MPs, and experts have already discussed the draft Concept for the creation of the Armed Forces Cyber Force.

The working meeting was chaired by the Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Lieutenant General Anatolii Barhylevych.

Other news for the day

• The Presidential Office denied information that 7 NATO countries oppose Ukraine's accession to the Alliance.
• The head of Mykolaiv region, Kim, explains why he vouched for an MP suspected of illegal enrichment of UAH 20 million.
• A draft law on demobilization of those under 25 who have already been drafted into the army was introduced in the Verkhovna Rada.
• Putin: Russia is ready to consider any peace agreement that takes into account the realities on the ground.
• Singer Khrystyna Solovii is criticized for kissing a child on the lips.