NATO

At the Novo Selo training ground today, Defense Minister Atanas Zapryanov affirmed that the recent command and staff exercise showcased the NATO Multinational Battlegroup's preparedness to scale up to brigade level if required for Bulgaria's defense.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte confirmed today that North Korea has deployed troops to Russia, with some already stationed near Kursk to support Russian forces against Ukraine.

Greece and France are engaged in talks to enhance collaboration between their ground forces, building on the strong defense relationship between the two nations.

While previous cooperation focused on naval and air capabilities, including Greece's purchase of Rafale jets and French frigates, recent discussions are centered on synchronizing land military operations.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte on Tuesday praised Türkiye for playing a "vital role" in the alliance's southeastern flank and for providing key capabilities, saying Ankara has the "sovereign right" to work with BRICS partners.

South Korea has claimed that North Korea has sent troops to support Russia in its ongoing war against Ukraine, which it views as a "serious threat" to global security. The South Korean presidential office, as quoted by Reuters, stated that Seoul will respond with all available measures.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated on October 17 that during his meeting with Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump in September, he conveyed the necessity for Ukraine to join NATO, or else it would seek to develop nuclear weapons for its defense, as per reports from the Kyiv Independent.

President Volodymyr Zelensky told allies Thursday that Ukraine must be in a position of strength before any peace talks with Russia, as he explained his "victory plan" to EU leaders and NATO defense chiefs in Brussels.

US Permanent Representative to NATO, Julianne Smith, affirmed that Ukraine's future membership in the alliance remains secure, stating that not a single NATO leader challenged this commitment during the pact's July meeting.

President Volodymyr Zelensky will present his "victory plan" for Ukraine to NATO defense ministers gathering Thursday in Brussels, under the long shadow of next month's U.S. elections.

Underscoring his plea for ramped-up Western support, Zelensky will attend the Alliance talks after also presenting his much-touted proposal at an EU leaders' summit taking place across town from NATO.

President Volodymyr Zelensky presented a much-anticipated victory plan for Ukraine in parliament on October 16, although some aspects of it remain classified.