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

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Zelenskiy says Russia to deploy N. Korean troops in combat zones Oct. 27-28. From Reuters. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said today that Russia plans to deploy North Korean troops to the battlefield starting Oct. 27-28, citing intelligence reports. READ MORE . . . Click HERE and HERE for reports from AP and the Kyiv Independent.

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Putin on North Korean troops in Russia: ‘If they’re here, it’s our business.’ From Kyiv Post. At a press conference following the BRICS summit in Kazan, Russian President Vladimir Putin for the first time commented on the possible involvement of North Korean troops in his war against Ukraine, responding to questions . . . READ MORE . . .

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Zelenskyy admits ‘tense’ situation for Ukraine’s armed forces in Donetsk and Kharkiv regions, by Elena Teslova | Anadolu Agency  MOSCOW — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy admitted today that the situation on the battlefield is “tense” for his nation’s armed forces, especially in the eastern Donetsk and Kharkiv regions. READ MORE . . .

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Ukraine’s army loses stable command and control of troops encircled in Kursk area — Putin.  From Tass.  MOSCOW — The Ukrainian military is attempting to unblock its troops encircled in Russia’s borderline Kursk Region but has lost stable command and control of these units, Russian President Vladimir Putin said in a program broadcast today. READ MORE . . .

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Putin comments on situation in Ukraine, treaty with North Korea in TV interview. From Tass. MOSCOW — Ukraine has approached Russia twice with initiatives mediated by Turkey but has promptly retracted them, Russian President Vladimir Putin said in a program broadcast today. READ MORE . . . Click HERE for report from Anadolu Agency.