Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered an increase in the size of the army to 1.55 million active servicemen, according to a presidential decree issued on Monday. This expansion will bring the total size of Russia’s armed forces to 2,441,630, with an increase of 15,500 active servicemen.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated on Monday that there are now more than 8,000 North Korean troops on Russian territory, with preparations under way to deploy another 10,000. Zelenskyy cited "new data" on the deployment, saying troops were being selected for training and subsequent deployment to Russia. Ukrainian and South Korean estimates suggest North Korea has sent an estimated 14,000 to 15,000 troops to support Russia's war in Ukraine since 2024.
Explosions were reported in Kyiv early on Tuesday, with missile debris falling and a non-residential building catching fire, according to Kyiv mayor Vitali Klitschko. On Monday, Zelenskyy reported that nine people had been killed and over 80 injured in Russian drone strikes across the country, including in Kyiv.
Pope Leo urged Russia and Ukraine to discuss an end to their war, speaking on Monday after a trip to France. He stated that the Catholic church has an obligation to call for peace and respect for human life, inviting leaders to engage in dialogue.
Nato’s top military commander, US general Alexus Grynkewich, told EU lawmakers on Monday that Russia's sabotage campaign in Europe is not deterring support for Ukraine. He cited incidents such as an explosive-laden drone at a German airport and a Russian naval ship firing flares at a Danish helicopter as examples of attempts to instil fear.
Ukraine will postpone some spending commitments, including reconstruction work, due to delays in receiving aid from foreign backers, Ukraine’s prime minister Sergiy Koretsky said on Monday. He stated that all resources must be directed towards critical areas for now.
Separately, Putin has ordered the Russian assets of German retailer Metro AG to be placed under temporary administration. This follows similar actions against businesses associated with "unfriendly countries", including Nestlé and Auchan.