Putin Downplays NATO Threat as North Korean Troops Arrive in Russia

On the 1,212th day of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Vladimir Putin reiterated his readiness to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy — though only during a final round of peace talks.

“So as not to sit there and divide things up endlessly,” Putin said, “but to put an end to it.”

He also repeated claims that Zelenskyy lacks legitimacy as Ukraine’s leader.

In a roundtable with international media in St. Petersburg, Putin dismissed Western fears about NATO’s rearmament.

“We do not consider any NATO rearmament to be a threat to the Russian Federation,” he said, claiming that Russia remains “self-sufficient” in its defense capabilities.

North Korean Support and Iranian Risk

Despite this confidence, Moscow continues to rely heavily on foreign partners for its war effort.

Thousands of North Korean soldiers have arrived in Kursk, while weapons, ammunition, and drones from both North Korea and Iran remain vital to Russia’s campaign.

There are also signs that China is quietly assisting the Kremlin’s military operations.

However, the potential collapse of Iran’s regime presents a strategic dilemma. As The Guardian reported, Tehran’s fall could destabilize one of Moscow’s few remaining allies and jeopardize access to vital military supplies.

Ukraine’s Deadly Week and NATO Diplomacy

In Ukraine, the aftermath of a deadly Russian missile attack on Kyiv continues. At least 28 people were killed and over 130 injured after apartment buildings were struck on Tuesday.

The Ukrainian presidency confirmed that Zelenskyy may attend the NATO summit in The Hague next week, seeing it as a chance to “maintain support and promote a ceasefire.”

Meanwhile, Ukraine is working with the U.S. to explore joint defense investment projects, part of a wider effort to boost resilience amid heavy fighting in the Sumy region.

As battles rage on and foreign alliances deepen, the conflict’s geopolitical stakes remain as volatile as ever.