Russia-Ukraine war: Germany rejects Trump's proposal on Ukraine
The German Defense Minister, Boris Pistorius, called Donald Trump's proposal to cede Ukrainian territory to Russia a "capitulation."
President Donald Trump's peace proposal, which contemplates ceding Ukrainian territory to Russia, has been criticized by the German government. German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius called the proposal a "capitulation" and noted that any agreement must recognize Ukraine's sovereignty over internationally recognized legal territories, such as Crimea, which was annexed by Russia after its occupation in 2014.
Trump, who has sought to mediate the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, proposed an agreement that would recognize Russian control over Crimea and other occupied regions starting in 2022. Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky has rejected possible agreements to cede territory because he believes it belongs to the Ukrainian people. During the recent meeting at the Vatican, Trump stated that Volodymyr Zelensky wants to reach an agreement.
North Korea in the war: Confirms troop deployment to Russia
North Korea confirmed its support for Russia in deploying troops to Kursk. The North Korean Central Military Commission confirmed the success of the military operations and stated that it was a success and that its soldiers contributed to the victory in the war, according to the state news agency KCNA. This comes months after the suspicion of sending 12,000 North Korean troops to Russia.
Russian president Vladimir Putin expressed his gratitude for the North Korean assistance, calling it heroic and professional. The operation follows an agreement signed in 2024 between Russia and North Korea on mutual military support. The international community, including the United States, condemned the agreement, alleging that it violates UN resolutions and poses a threat to world peace.
Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong-un signed a military cooperation agreement in 2024. Photo: Friedrich Naumann Foundation
Geopolitical and legal implications of the conflict
In addition to troop support, North Korea sent weapons to Russia. The United States expressed concern about North Korea's participation in the war and possible territorial concessions regarding its proposal. The U.S. Department of Defense has called for an end to military cooperation between Russia and North Korea.
The South Korean Ministry of Defense accused North Korea of admitting to "military actions" by sending troops. Russia initially denied involvement in covert operations in Crimea in 2014. The situation in the conflicting countries would exacerbate the legitimacy of the current foreign presence and make it more difficult to find a peaceful solution to the conflict.
