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Zelensky: Nearly 50,000 Russian Troops Amassed in Kursk Amid Ongoing Counteroffensive
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky announced Monday that Russia has stationed nearly 50,000 troops in the southern Russian region of Kursk, where Ukrainian forces have been engaged in a counteroffensive since the summer. The statement comes as Ukraine continues to hold its ground in the region, following a series of surprising advances into Russian-held territory in recent months.
The update, shared by Zelensky on Telegram after a briefing from Ukraine’s Armed Forces Commander-in-Chief General Oleksandr Syrskyi, underscores the continued intensity of hostilities in the Kursk region. According to Zelensky, Ukrainian forces have been actively “holding back” the substantial Russian troop presence, described as a “nearly 50,000-strong enemy group.”
Ukraine’s military launched the incursion into Kursk in August, a move that reportedly took Moscow by surprise. Ukrainian officials argued that the offensive was necessary to preempt a Russian strike from the area. Since then, Ukrainian forces have reportedly secured hundreds of square miles within Russian territory. Although Russia has managed to reclaim some settlements, the frontline has seen minimal changes over the last few months, as Ukrainian troops maintain their positions.
Adding to the complexity of the situation, a U.S. official disclosed to CNN on Sunday that Russia has assembled a substantial force in Kursk, which includes newly arrived North Korean soldiers. According to the source, Russia may be preparing to launch an offensive against Ukrainian positions in the coming days, signaling a potential escalation in the conflict. This development reflects the growing involvement of external forces and the high stakes surrounding the ongoing battle for control in the border regions.
Furthermore, a Ukrainian military commander reported to CNN that North Korean forces are not only present but are also actively participating in combat operations. These troops are reportedly involved in both offensive and defensive roles in Kursk, as well as in neighboring Belgorod and Russian-occupied areas of Ukraine.
The deployment of North Korean forces, if verified, would mark a significant shift in the dynamics of the conflict, with Russia drawing on international alliances to bolster its military operations. North Korean troops’ participation could indicate a broader strategy by Moscow to enhance its fighting capabilities with support from allied nations, further complicating the conflict.
The developments in Kursk come amid heightened tensions and frequent skirmishes along the Ukraine-Russia border, underscoring the protracted and evolving nature of the war. With a large Russian force now poised in Kursk, Ukrainian officials and international observers are closely monitoring the situation for signs of an impending assault.
For now, Ukraine appears determined to maintain its foothold in the region despite the sizable Russian buildup. However, the continued deployment of reinforcements by Moscow suggests that the coming weeks could see intensified clashes in and around Kursk, potentially reshaping the conflict’s landscape.
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Two Dead, Nearly 200 Injured as PSG Title Celebrations Turn Violent Across France

What began as jubilant celebrations of Paris Saint-Germain’s historic UEFA Champions League victory ended in violence and tragedy in parts of France, with two people killed and nearly 200 injured during street festivities that spiraled out of control.
Authorities confirmed on Sunday that a 17-year-old boy was fatally stabbed in the southwestern town of Dax during a PSG street gathering, while in Paris, a man died after his scooter was struck by a car amid the crowded celebrations. Both incidents are currently under investigation.
The unrest followed PSG’s dramatic win in Munich, where the club secured its first-ever Champions League title, marking a milestone in French football history. While fans across the country took to the streets to celebrate, several areas descended into violence.
According to the French Interior Ministry, a total of 294 people were arrested nationwide as of 2 a.m. Sunday. Of the nearly 200 injured, 21 were police officers—18 of them in Paris alone. One officer remains in a medically induced coma after being struck in the face by a firework.
Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau condemned the violence in a statement on social media. “True PSG fans are celebrating a magnificent achievement. Meanwhile, barbarians have taken to the streets to commit crimes and provoke law enforcement,” he said. “It is unacceptable that people cannot celebrate without being endangered by a violent minority.”
Despite the unrest, the majority of gatherings were peaceful, authorities noted, with large crowds celebrating the historic win in cities including Marseille, Lyon, and Lille.
The PSG squad returned to Paris from Munich on Sunday afternoon aboard a Qatar Airways charter flight, arriving at 4 p.m. The team is expected to continue celebrations in the capital with tens of thousands of fans, under heightened security measures.
The violent turn of events has reignited debate in France over crowd control during major sporting celebrations, and how best to ensure public safety without dampening national enthusiasm.
PSG’s Champions League triumph marks a defining moment for the club, which has long pursued European glory. As the team prepares for a hero’s welcome, officials are urging fans to celebrate responsibly and respect public safety.
News
Ukraine Launches Major Drone Assault on Russian Airfields, Hits Over 40 Strategic Bombers

Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) has claimed responsibility for a large-scale drone strike on four Russian air bases over the weekend, targeting dozens of strategic bombers across vast swaths of Russian territory — from Siberia to the Arctic.
According to Ukrainian officials, the operation, codenamed “Spiderweb” (Pavutyna), was launched on June 1 and struck 41 long-range bombers stationed at airfields in Russia’s Ryazan, Ivanovo, Irkutsk, and Murmansk regions. The attack is being hailed by Kyiv as one of its most ambitious and far-reaching strikes since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion.
“Enemy strategic bombers are burning en masse in Russia,” a senior SBU official said, noting that the operation was specifically designed to cripple Moscow’s airstrike capabilities. “This is a large-scale special operation aimed at destroying enemy bomber aircraft.”
The four airfields targeted were Dyagilevo in the Ryazan region, Ivanovo in central Russia, Belaya air base in Irkutsk — over 4,000 kilometers from the front lines — and Olenya air base on the Kola Peninsula near the Arctic, roughly 2,000 kilometers from Ukraine’s border.
Ukrainian officials described the complex logistics of the operation, which involved covertly transporting drones deep into Russian territory, hiding them until the time of launch, and remotely executing the strikes. While specific details remain classified, Ukraine previously revealed it had developed drones with a flight range of up to 3,000 kilometers, enabling long-range operations like this.
Satellite imagery analyzed after the attack shows the presence of several high-value Russian aircraft types at the affected bases, including the Tu-95, Tu-22M3, Tu-160, and A-50 radar planes. These aircraft have been central to Russia’s long-range missile campaign against Ukraine.
The Tu-22M3, for example, is capable of carrying Kh-22 and Kh-32 cruise missiles at speeds exceeding Mach 4. The Tu-95, a Cold War-era bomber once designed to carry nuclear weapons, has been retrofitted to launch conventional cruise missiles. The A-50 aircraft provides airborne radar surveillance and target coordination for Russian forces.
The scale of the strike underscores Ukraine’s growing long-range capabilities and signals a shift in Kyiv’s strategy to disrupt Russian air operations at their source. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he had held meetings with the Ministries of Defense and Foreign Affairs, along with the General Staff and SBU, to coordinate further defense and counter-offensive planning.
There has been no immediate official response from Moscow regarding the extent of damage caused.
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