Rimmer

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Russia has officially confirmed the deployment of North Korean soldiers in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, particularly in the Kursk region. This marks a significant development in the war, highlighting the deepening military ties between Moscow and Pyongyang.Wikipedia+2Reddit+2Wikipedia+2Reuters Confirmation and Deployment On April 26, 2025, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced that Russian forces had regained control of the Kursk region, previously captured by Ukraine in a surprise offensive. Putin declared the Ukrainian operation a failure and claimed this victory enables further advances. However, Ukrainian officials disputed these claims, stating the battle in Kursk continues and calling Russia’s statements propaganda. Despite setbacks following Ukraine’s earlier territorial gains, particularly in August, Moscow has reportedly regained key areas with the help of about 14,000 North Korean troops. General Valery Gerasimov praised the North Korean soldiers for their support. New York Post+3New York Post+3AP News+3 Combat Performance and Casualties North Korean troops, estimated at around 14,000, have been actively involved in combat operations in the Kursk region. Despite initial challenges due to inadequate equipment and lack of experience, these forces have adapted to the battlefield conditions. Reports indicate that by March 2025, approximately 5,000 North Korean soldiers had been killed or wounded. ABC News A notable incident highlighting their involvement is a bodycam video released by Ukraine's Special Operations Forces, showing eight Ukrainian rangers eliminating 25 North Korean troops in Russian trenches in Kursk. The Ukrainian rangers quickly secured advantageous firing positions and launched a successful assault, despite being outnumbered and under artillery fire. One ranger was injured by shrapnel during the encounter, but the team continued their attack, using thermal vision scopes and grenade launchers. After neutralizing the North Korean unit, the rangers discovered and confiscated documents, including Russian materials and notes in Korean. The incident occurred in March 2025 in the Kursk region, previously captured by Ukraine in a counter-invasion aimed at diverting Russian forces and strengthening Ukraine's position in peace talks. Moscow had deployed over 11,000 North Korean soldiers to reclaim the territory, though their effectiveness has been questioned due to issues like friendly fire and desertion. Financial Times+4New York Post+4AP News+4 Strategic Implications The deployment of North Korean troops underscores the strengthening alliance between Russia and North Korea. This collaboration extends beyond personnel, with North Korea supplying Russia with significant military aid, including ballistic missiles and artillery shells. Intelligence from Ukraine and South Korea, supported by satellite imagery and social media evidence, indicates North Korea has provided Russia with 148 KN-23 and KN-24 missiles, millions of artillery shells, and rocket systems. A joint Reuters investigation tracked 64 shipments over 20 months, involving 15,000 containers and an estimated 4 million artillery rounds. Experts suggest North Korean munitions now constitute up to 70% of Russia’s artillery supplies, making them strategically essential. Additionally, newer North Korean weapons are being tested on Ukrainian battlefields, potentially enhancing Pyongyang’s capabilities. Despite denials, North Korea also reportedly sent thousands of troops to Russia’s Kursk region, with continued deployments after initial heavy losses. This growing military alliance, formalized by a 2024 treaty between Kim Jong-un and Vladimir Putin, may lead to further exchanges of advanced weaponry and technology, strengthening both nations’ military power. Reuters+2The Guardian+2Wikipedia+2 For a comprehensive overview of North Korea's involvement in the Russian invasion of Ukraine, you can refer to the following sources:Wikipedia Reuters: Inside North Korea's vast operation to help Russia's war on Ukraine AP News: Russia says it has fully reclaimed the Kursk region. Ukraine says it is still fighting there. Kyiv Post: Kremlin Confirms North Korean Soldiers Fighting in Ukraine Wikipedia: North Korean involvement in the Russian invasion of Ukraine

A post with an altered quote into Thai Language has been removed. @UserC923 Please don't do this as it is confusing and against forum rules, thank you: 28. You will not make changes to messages quoted from other members posts, except for purposes of shortening the quoted post. Do not shorten any post in a way that alters the context of the original post. Do not change the formatting of the post you are quoting.

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Some negative emojis have been removed from posts, please be aware continually targeting another member in this manner is stalking and could lead to a warning and eventually having your ability to post emojis removed. 11. You will not troll or stalk other members by misusing forum posts, private messages, reactions, emojis or by any other means.

Links have now been provided and are placed at the bottom of the OP. The topic can now be re opened.

Why Crimea matters to Ukraine now, more than ever: Sovereignty and International Law: Russia's 2014 annexation of Crimea violated international law and Ukraine's territorial integrity. Reclaiming Crimea has become symbolic of restoring Ukrainian sovereignty and reversing a precedent that could embolden further land grabs elsewhere. Strategic Military Importance: Crimea is a massive military asset. It houses Russia’s Black Sea Fleet and provides a key naval and air base network for projecting power in the Black Sea, the Middle East, and beyond. For Ukraine, regaining Crimea would neutralize this threat and increase its security. Economic and Energy Interests: Crimea’s waters are rich in natural gas reserves. Control over these offshore assets would bolster Ukraine's energy independence. The peninsula also once served as a key hub for tourism and agriculture. Displacement and Human Rights: Since the annexation, thousands of Ukrainians and Crimean Tatars have been displaced or faced repression under Russian rule. For many, restoring Ukrainian control means justice and the right of return. Moral and National Identity: For Ukraine, Crimea isn't just land — it’s part of the national psyche. Letting it go could fracture national unity and morale, especially after the sacrifices made during the war. In short, Crimea’s return isn’t just about borders — it’s about law, identity, safety, and future prosperity. Russia’s Perspective: Historical Claims: Russia often cites deep historical ties. Crimea was part of Russia until 1954, when it was transferred to Ukraine (then part of the USSR) by Khrushchev. Many Russians view that transfer as arbitrary and see Crimea as "historically Russian." Strategic and Military Value: Sevastopol is home to the Black Sea Fleet — a critical naval stronghold for Russia. Losing it to a pro-West Ukraine (especially after the 2014 Euromaidan revolution) was seen as a strategic red line. Population Sentiment: Russia claims the majority-Russian-speaking population in Crimea supported joining Russia — citing a controversial 2014 referendum (held under military occupation and not recognized by most of the world). Buffer Against NATO: Russia views NATO’s expansion as a threat. Controlling Crimea gives Moscow a military buffer and influence over the Black Sea. International Perspective: Widespread Non-Recognition: The UN General Assembly passed resolutions affirming Crimea as part of Ukraine. The annexation is seen as a violation of international law and the 1994 Budapest Memorandum, in which Russia guaranteed Ukraine's borders. Sanctions: Russia’s actions led to sanctions by the EU, U.S., and allies, targeting its economy, political figures, and military operations. These were expanded further after the 2022 full-scale invasion. Precedent Concern: Countries fear that letting the annexation stand normalizes land grabs through military force — dangerous for global stability (e.g., Taiwan, South China Sea, or elsewhere). Support for Ukraine: Many countries now link Crimea’s return to any future peace deal, seeing it as essential for a just and lasting resolution.

Looks like you are correct, usually the 1080 files have them but even those I looked at don't have subs. ☹️

Personal attack leading to more attacks and replies has been removed

Personal attack has been removed. There is no need for this, please stop it immediately. @flexomike

Dont know about that but many people swear by this: Saw Palmetto

An unattributed conspiracy theory has been removed

We also had a smell problem with the big water bottles from the delivery man off his pickup truck, the water smelt of petrol, this went on for several weeks so eventually we stopped buying off him. I suspect the bottles were not being not washed properly for re use. We now only buy the Aro water from Makro, good water sweet taste and no smell ever, they deliver as well.