North Korea is preparing to deploy 10,000 more troops to Russia as Putin embarks on a recruitment drive from foreign countries, Volodymyr Zelensky has claimed.
The Ukrainian leader said Russia is “increasing the number of people they recruit” though “various means” including enlisting foreigners, and called on foreign governments to “counter this”.
In a post on X, he claimed Moscow had already deloyed 8,000 troops from North Korea and is plotting to enlist a futher 10,000, in a scheme he said shows “how evil encroaches”.
It comes after at least ten people were killed and a landmark building was set alight in Kyiv after a fresh round of Russian strikes on Ukraine.
Volodymyr Zelensky earlier accused Russia of "terrorising" Ukrainians after the latest attacks in which a market was set on fire and schools were targeted.
“Anywhere in the world, this choice of targets would be called by one word – terrorism. Russia has no military objective whatsoever in doing this – it is purely an attempt to break people and inflict as much harm as possible on our society,” the Ukrainian president said.
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Key Points
- Putin preparing to deploy 10,000 new troops from North Korea, Zelensky claims
- Fresh round of strikes in Kyiv leaves National Academy of Sciences on fire
- At least 10 killed in strikes across Ukraine on Monday, officials say
- Pope urges peace talks between Russia and Ukraine
- Over 258,000 Putin’s soldiers killed in action identified
Explosions heard in Kyiv
04:24 , Shweta SharmaExplosions were heard across the Ukrainian capital Kyiv early on Tuesday as Russia continued its near-daily attacks on the country.
Missile debris fell in the courtyard of a residential building, while a non-residential building caught fire elsewhere in the city, Kyiv mayor Vitali Klitschko said on Telegram.
The latest attack came a day after Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky said nine people had been killed and more than 80 injured in Russian drone strikes across the country, including in Kyiv.
Zelensky says North Korea prepares to deploy another 10,000 troops to Russia
03:47 , Shweta SharmaUkrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky said on Monday there are more than 8,000 North Korean troops on Russian territory and preparations are underway to deploy another 10,000 troops.
Citing "new data" on the deployment of North Korean troops to Russia, Zelensky said in a post on X they were "being selected for training and subsequent deployment to Russia."
The Ukrainian president said in August that up to 50,000 North Korean soldiers could be sent to fight for Russia, and called on South Korea to provide support for Ukraine's air defence.
South Korea announced in July a $100m aid package for Ukraine, although it excluded lethal weapons.
Zelensky's comments on Monday came after Seoul and Kyiv were at odds over his announcement last week that Ukraine had transferred two captured North Korean soldiers to South Korea.
Watch: We choose not to die or lose our freedom, says Zelensky
03:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneRussia puts German retailer Metro's assets under temporary administration amid Ukraine tensions
02:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneRussia has placed the local assets of German retailer Metro AG under temporary administration, according to a presidential decree published on Monday, amid heightened Ukraine-linked tensions between Moscow and Berlin.
The assets have been transferred to Russian company UK Torg RUS, which was established on 8 September and is wholly owned, according to Russian corporate data, by Johannes Tolay, the chief executive of Metro's Russian business.
The decree did not give a reason for the transfer of control, but it followed a rare weekend meeting between Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov and German counterpart Johann Wadephul on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York to discuss Ukraine.
Mr Lavrov complained that he had learned nothing new from Mr Wadephul, whose country is a staunch supporter of Ukraine. Germany this month said it had concluded that Russia was responsible for an attempted drone attack at Leipzig/Halle Airport and ordered a series of measures in response, including closure of a consulate and a Russian cultural centre in Berlin. Moscow denied the allegations, saying they had been fabricated.
In a statement on Monday, Metro AG said it no longer had operational control over its Russian subsidiary and that it was evaluating further implications of the move.
Recap: Top NATO commander urges states to condemn Russian acts of sabotage
01:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneA NATO chief has said that the best way for European countries to respond to Russian sabotage and other destabilising acts was to state when Moscow was to blame and strengthen their support for Ukraine.
Acts of sabotage, cyberattacks, drone sightings and other so-called hybrid attacks attributed to Russia have multiplied in the past months in many European countries and include a drone attack in Leipzig and a Russian strike on a train in Ukraine near the Polish border earlier this month.
"Bringing that attribution out publicly will let state sponsors know that we understand what they're doing and that increases costs on them," Alexus Grynkewich told EU lawmakers in a Parliament committee on Monday.
"They will realise that their networks are ineffective and that they have to modify their behaviour and that, in and of itself, has some deterrent effect," he added.
Russian activity in Europe aims at breaking allies' will in continuing to support Kyiv, he said.
The supreme commander added that NATO initiatives such as the Eastern Sentry mission launched on September 11 and comprising assets from allies such as Denmark, France, Britain, Germany have already had an effect on the ground.
"The Russians have been much more careful to avoid coming across the border with drones in the Baltics or into Poland since we implemented Eastern Sentry," he said.
Watch: Putin claims peace is ‘on the table’ for Ukraine - yet warns of further strikes
Tuesday 29 September 2026 00:00 , Nicole Wootton-CanePutin preparing to deploy 10,000 new troops from North Korea, Zelensky claims
Monday 28 September 2026 23:26 , Nicole Wootton-CaneNorth Korea is preparing to send 10,000 fresh recruits to fight in Russia’s war in Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky has claimed.
In a post on X, the Ukrainian president accused Vladimir Putin of embarking on a recruitment drive from foreign countries, and warned foreign governments to “counter” this.
“We also have new data on the deployment of North Korean troops to Russia,” he wrote.
“There are currently more than 8,000 North Korean troops on Russian territory. In addition, preparations are underway to deploy another 10,000 troops – they are being selected for training and subsequent deployment to Russia.
“In return, Russia is paying, among other things, with technology: production of shahed-type attack drones has been established in North Korea with Russian technical support. This is how evil encroaches, and how a threat to life in one part of the world spreads to other parts. This can only be overcome together.”
In effect, the Russians have already begun additional mobilization – they are increasing the number of people they recruit through various means. They also plan to increase the recruitment of foreigners, and it is important that the governments of the countries from which Russia… pic.twitter.com/L0WnqR9O7R
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) September 28, 2026
In depth: Inside the real war games as Europe readies for an attack by Russia
Monday 28 September 2026 23:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneAs warnings increase about a Russian attack on a NATO country, real-world war-games, whether played out around a conference table or on the ground as military exercises, are happening all the time. But the real danger is the potential for hysteria, fear and miscalculation to turn a shadow war into something much worse, writes Owen Matthews.
Inside the real war games as Europe readies for an attack by Russia
Life in the village on the edge of Russia where locals fear the next hybrid attack
Monday 28 September 2026 22:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneResidents across a Polish border community received three emergency phone alerts in a single day, warning that a missile or drone could enter from Ukraine.
Above the eastern village of Dorohusk, vapour trails carved through the pale blue sky while military helicopters rumbled overhead. Just two kilometres (1.24 miles) away, traffic at the border crossing into Ukraine was halted three times, with personnel evacuated from the checkpoint on one occasion.
Thursday’s alerts and operational stoppages highlight an uneasy reality along Poland’s eastern frontier, where the war in Ukraine — now four and a half years old — feels increasingly immediate.
You can read more below:
Life in the village on the edge of Russia where locals fear the next hybrid attack
At least 10 killed in strikes across Ukraine on Monday, officials say
Monday 28 September 2026 21:38 , Nicole Wootton-CaneAt least 10 people have been killed in strikes across Ukraine on Monday, officials said.
Two people were killed when a drone hit the National Academy of Sciences in central Kyiv on Monday, as Russia pounded the heart of the Ukrainian capital with some of the most persistent drone strikes since the start of the war.
President Volodymyr Zelensky said nine people had been killed and more than 80 injured in Russian drone strikes throughout the country.
Two people were killed in the assault on the Academy of Sciences building in the heart of the capital. Emergency services said later in the evening that one of the dead had been recovered from under rubble.
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said 24 people had been injured in several attacks on the capital, six of whom were being treated in hospital.
Pope urges peace talks between Russia and Ukraine
Monday 28 September 2026 21:31 , Nicole Wootton-CanePope Leo has urged Russia and Ukraine to sit down and discuss how to end their four-year war, hours after he had urged European leaders seeking to end conflicts to make concessions to achieve peace.
The first US pope also decried national leaders who he said are "beginning to speak about nuclear weapons and wars that are becoming ever more destructive," addressing a press conference aboard his flight to Rome after a four-day trip to France.
Leo said the 1.4-billion-member Catholic Church has an obligation to call for peace and respect of human life.
"The Church has a responsibility to promote these values, continually inviting leaders -- from Russia and Ukraine, as well as other countries -- to come together, sit down, engage in dialogue," he said.
He added leaders must "seek ways to solve problems without continuing these wars, which no longer make sense."
"This is not about being political or nonpolitical, but there needs to be a voice that seeks to promote the values of human dignity, the importance of life, and the possibility of perhaps spending more on health and education and less on weapons,.”
Earlier on Monday, the pope said Europe must be willing to sacrifice some positions to achieve peace in a speech in Metz, France, where he laid out his clearest vision yet for the future of the continent.
Watch: Zelensky slams Putin's 'lame excuses' for not ending war in Ukraine
Monday 28 September 2026 21:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneInside Ukraine’s fortress cities – and the ex-convicts keeping them from Putin
Monday 28 September 2026 20:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneAfter more than four years of war, Ukrainian troops continue to keep Russia at bay in key cities in the eastern Donetsk region. Askold Krushelnycky travels to the frontlines to meet the ex-prisoners and former police officers who have formed an unlikely alliance to defend their country.
Inside Ukraine’s fortress cities – and the ex-convicts keeping them from Putin
One killed and at least three injured in strike on National Academy of Sciences
Monday 28 September 2026 19:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneOne person has died and at least three have been injured in a Russian strike on the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, according to President Zelensky.
In a post on X, he said children were among the injured after the attack on Monday.
It came as part of a wider bombardment that killed at least seven people and wounded more than 50 others.
Екстрені служби продовжують працювати у Києві, на місці прямого удару по будівлі Академії наук. На жаль, станом на зараз відомо про одну загиблу людину та шістьох постраждалих, серед них троє дітей. Сьогодні вдень росіяни вдарили ще й по будівлі медичного закладу в центрі… pic.twitter.com/0ajEnqxCPU
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) September 28, 2026
Russia says it hit cargo vessels bound for Ukraine
Monday 28 September 2026 18:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneRussia's Defence Ministry said on Monday its forces had struck fuel and telecommunications infrastructure in Kyiv, as well as several cargo vessels that it alleged were supplying the Ukrainian military.
The ministry said the Russian strikes hit three cargo vessels bound for Odesa and another cargo vessel in the port of Chornomorsk. A ship repair facility in the port of Izmail was also struck, it added.
The ministry said several data centres in Kyiv were hit in overnight and daytime attacks.
The Independent could not independently verify the ministry's reports.
Germany says Russia still unwilling to negotiate end to Ukraine war after Lavrov talks
Monday 28 September 2026 17:00 , Shweta SharmaBerlin said on Monday that its first direct talks with Moscow since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine showed the two sides remain "miles apart" and that Russia is still unwilling to engage in serious negotiations to end the war.
"Our positions were, of course, miles apart, a fact that has once again become apparent," a foreign ministry spokesperson said, two days after a meeting between German foreign minister Johann Wadephul and Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly.
The spokesperson added that the talks had reinforced Berlin's conclusion that Moscow remains `unwilling to negotiate either `a ceasefire or an end to the war in Ukraine.
South Korea summons Ukraine envoy over disclosure of North Korean prisoner transfer, says Yonhap
Monday 28 September 2026 16:00 , Shweta SharmaSouth Korea's foreign ministry summoned Ukraine's acting ambassador on Monday to protest the disclosure of the transfer of North Korean prisoners to South Korea, Yonhap News Agency reported.
The ministry raised objections to Ukraine's unilateral disclosure of the prisoners' request to go to South Korea during the meeting, Yonhap said.
Fresh round of strikes in Kyiv leave landmark building on fire
Monday 28 September 2026 15:29 , Sian ElvinOfficials have said a fresh round of Russian bombardment of targets in Ukraine killed at least seven people and wounded more than 50 others on Monday.
Apartment buildings, offices and data centres were hit, and a building of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine in downtown Kyiv was pictured on fire.
A woman was killed in the strike, the Kyiv city military administration confirmed.
Russian forces also hit a pharmaceutical company and gas stations in Kyiv.
One drone struck an office centre in central Dnipro during working hours on Monday, killing three people and wounding at least 12.
Mayor Ihor Terekhov said a Russian strike on a nine-story apartment building in the northeastern city of Kharkiv wounded 43 people, including 11 children.
South Korea demands apology from Ukraine after Zelensky discloses transfer of North Korean POWs
Monday 28 September 2026 15:00 , Shweta SharmaSouth Korea has demanded an apology from Ukraine for breaching the confidentiality agreement on the transfer of two North Korean prisoners of war from Kyiv to Seoul.
A diplomatic row erupted after Volodymyr Zelensky disclosed at the UN General Assembly last week that Ukraine had sent two North Korean soldiers captured while fighting for Russia to South Korea.
Seoul criticised Mr Zelensky for the disclosure, made while demanding greater support for Ukraine in its war against Russia, accusing him of breaking confidentiality and risking the lives of the prisoners.
South Korea demands apology after Zelensky discloses transfer of North Korean POWs
EU imposes sanctions over deportation of Ukrainian children to Russia
Monday 28 September 2026 14:30 , Shweta SharmaEU countries on Monday imposed sanctions against 10 individuals and 17 entities for their involvement in the unlawful deportation of Ukrainian children to Russia.
The list includes Moscow's City Tourism Committee, children's camps and sports camps in Russia and the Songdowon International Children's Camp in North Korea, where the European Council said Ukrainian children are brought to promote pro-Russian narratives.
Pope Leo urges concessions for peace as Ukraine war drags on
Monday 28 September 2026 14:00 , Shweta SharmaPope Leo said on Monday that negotiators seeking to end war in Europe must be willing to sacrifice some positions to achieve peace.
The first US pope, speaking in Metz, hometown of Robert Schuman, a founding father of the European Union, lamented that "war has returned, even to Europe: a new senseless slaughter, claiming countless civilian lives every day".
Offering his clearest political vision yet for Europe, Leo also praised integration and multiculturalism at a time when the far right is gaining strength across the region.
Speaking in French, he urged Europeans to recall the founding values that underpin the EU, including the rule of law and the equality of all people without distinction of race, colour, class or profession.
Leo began his four-day visit on Friday with a warning that the United Nations and other multilateral bodies were in crisis and that international dialogue risked becoming a "charade".
On Monday in Metz, he turned his attention to the war in Ukraine - without mentioning it directly.
"We need ... to show courage in negotiation and to be willing to give up some positions for the greater good of peace," he urged, invoking a similar 1917 appeal from Pope Benedict XV amid the carnage of the First World War.
Leo also reiterated his opposition to rising European military spending, which grew last year by the highest amount since the end of the Cold War amid pressure from US President Donald Trump and Russian assertiveness.
"We must also guard against the illusion that rearmament is the answer," he said.
"Today we must ask whether we are truly making creative efforts to advance world peace, or whether we are simply seeking to 'stem the tide of war' and better prepare ourselves for wars that we assume are still to come."
Swiss voters reject proposal to strengthen country’s neutrality
Monday 28 September 2026 13:20 , Shweta SharmaSwiss voters have overwhelmingly rejected a proposal championed by a populist party to strengthen the country’s vaunted neutrality.
Official figures published by the government showed 70 per cent of voters, as well as majorities across all 26 of the country’s regions, turned down the measure.
Supporters of the measure, spearheaded by the Swiss People’s Party, claimed the European country had drawn dangerously close to Nato and the EU, particularly concerning the conflict in Ukraine.
Swiss voters reject proposal to strengthen country’s neutrality
What comes next for North Korea soldiers transferred from Ukraine to South Korea?
Monday 28 September 2026 12:20 , Shweta SharmaTwo North Korean soldiers captured while fighting for Russia against Ukraine are now in South Korea, raising questions over how they will be investigated, protected and resettled, and the legal basis for their transfer.
The soldiers are expected to undergo questioning and security screening before the South Korean authorities decide whether to grant them protection and begin the resettlement process.
Seoul's Unification Ministry said on Monday their cases would be reviewed under relevant laws and past practices, suggesting that the North Korean Defectors Protection and Settlement Support Act would apply.
The investigation and temporary protection may last up to 90 days, with a possible extension in unavoidable circumstances.
The soldiers’ military backgrounds and firsthand knowledge of North Korea’s deployment to Russia could result in more extensive debriefing.
Those granted protection usually receive resettlement training before entering South Korean society.
The unification minister normally determines whether a North Korean arrival qualifies for protection, although the NIS director can make the decision on national security grounds.
Yu told Reuters the sensitivity of the case could also keep them out of public view longer than other North Korean arrivals.
Their physical and psychological condition is also likely to be assessed.
