For today, links to five reports: from Agence France-Presse, the Associated Press, the Kyiv Post, the Kyiv Independent, and Reuters; others are accessible by clicking on their names or initials below. (GAZA entry for this date is HERE.) — MCM

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NEWER   North Korea says it will stand by Russia until ‘victory’ over Ukraine. From AFP. North Korea’s foreign minister met with her Russian counterpart in Moscow on Friday, assuring him that Pyongyang would stand by Russia until it achieves “victory” in its war against Ukraine. The meeting . . . READ MORE . . .

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North Korea’s top diplomat holds talks in Moscow as Pyongyang sent troops to help the war on Ukraine. From AP. Russia’s top diplomat met his North Korean counterpart for talks today amid reports that Pyongyang has sent thousands of troops to Russia to support its military in the war in Ukraine. Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui’s visit to Moscow and her meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov . . . READ MORE . . .

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Russian forces reportedly have 2024’s biggest week of territorial gains. From Kyiv Post.  Russian forces have seized more territory in eastern Ukraine than at any other time in 2024, capturing over 200 square kilometers (77 square miles) in the last week, according to Bloomberg. The recent . . . READ MORE . . .

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In Ukraine, hopes of war breakthrough slim whoever wins U.S. election, by Anastasiia Malenko and Tom Balmforth | Reuters  KYIV — For many Ukrainians, the outcome of the U.S. election next week and its impact on the war with Russia feels less likely to be pivotal than it once did. READ MORE . . .

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FROM OCT. 31  U.S. asks China to use its sway over Russia and North Korea, by Didi Tang and Mathew Lee | AP  WASHINGTON — The U.S. and South Korea have called on China to use its influence over Russia and North Korea to prevent escalation after Pyongyang sent thousands of troops to Russia to aid Moscow’s war against Ukraine. Beijing has so far stayed quiet. READ MORE . . .