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NATO cannot confirm reports about DPRK troops’ involvement in special op — Rutte

"We have no confirming reports, but we believe that the DPRK is already supporting Russia's military efforts in technical terms," NATO Secretary General said, answering questions from South Korean reporters

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte AP Photo/ Virginia Mayo

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte

© AP Photo/ Virginia Mayo

BRUSSELS, October 16. /TASS/. NATO is unable to confirm the reports in the Ukrainian media that North Korean servicemen are involved in the Russian special military operation in Ukraine, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said.

"We have no confirming reports, but we believe that the DPRK is already supporting Russia's military efforts in technical terms," Rutte said, answering questions from South Korean reporters. At the same time, he called on South Korea to intensify its support for Ukraine.

Previously, Ukrainian mass media started disseminating reports claiming that North Korean servicemen are getting ready to take part in the special military operation, but these reports have not been confirmed by reliable sources.

On October 10, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that media claims regarding the involvement of North Korean servicemen in the special military operation look like yet another hoax. South Korean Minister of National Defense Kim Yong-hyun was the one who claimed that North Korean troops could be sent to Ukraine. He made this remark, commenting on the partnership treaty between Moscow and Pyongyang.

On June 19, Russia and North Korea signed a treaty on a comprehensive strategic partnership, which implies provision of military aid in case of a defensive war. Answering questions on this issue, Putin noted that the Ukrainian regime initiated its aggression against Donetsk and Lugansk People’s Republics before they acceded to Russia, and the treaty is not retroactive. In addition, he pointed out, Moscow does not require anyone’s aid in the special military operation.

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Ukraine crisis NATO

Middle East conflict

Turkey seeks justice against Israel for genocide in Gaza — Erdogan’s Party

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Russia counts on West's responsibility in nuclear deterrence issues — Kremlin

Earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin decreed to update the country’s nuclear doctrine, the Basic Principles of the State Policy of the Russian Federation on Nuclear Deterrence

US is now at war with Russia, Ritter says

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US strategic forces ready for Biden-Trump transition — Pentagon

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Preliminary data shows anti-ship missile downed over Sevastopol waters — official

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Railroad development to strengthen ties with foreign partners — Russian PM

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US decision on strikes inside Russia stems from malice rather than strategy — journalist

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Russia’s revised nuclear doctrine makes defeat over its army impossible — SVR chief

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Japanese lawmaker urges global condemnation of decision on missile strikes on Russia

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At least 66 people killed in Gaza Strip by an Israeli strike — Al Jazeera

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Biden's decision to use ATACMS on Russia threatens to kill Americans — Tucker Carlson

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More desperation in Zelensky's appeals, ex-NATO commander says

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US uses veto right to block new UN Security Council draft resolution on ceasefire in Gaza

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Putin orders protection of critical infrastructure, including Crimean Bridge — Kremlin

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Moscow hopes West will thoroughly analyze Russia's nuclear doctrine — ambassador

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Iran claims to have disabled Israel’s Iron Dome air defense in past strikes

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Humanitarian situation in Gorlovka harsh as Ukraine targets key infrastructure — DPR head

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China slams US nuclear policy for undermining global stability

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Russian army pushes Ukraine out of Kurakhovo water reservoir’s north shore

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Rubicon center drones hit Ukrainian equipment in Russia's Kursk Region

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Kremlin condemns report on Storm Shadow missile use against Russian targets as escalation

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ATACMS missiles unlikely to keep Kiev from losing conflict — American expert

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Official declines to say if US gives Ukraine targeting data for Storm Shadow missiles

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Newly arrived Ukrainian soldiers rob, loot in Kharkov Region’s Kupyansk

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NATO deployment to Ukraine would mark its entry into the war, Russian diplomat warns

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Biden's decision on missile strikes on Russia is his 'last gasp' — Japanese lawmaker

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US journalist calls US President Joe Biden’s government 'the fascist state'

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Zelensky begs ‘for his country to be flattened’ — US journalist

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Putin’s Q&A session and press conference to be held on one of December Thursdays — Kremlin

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Russia encircles largest Ukrainian fortification in southern DPR — security services

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