The war in Ukraine has reached its 1,000th day, marked by escalating developments and mounting international pressure. Despite no clear end in sight, Ukraine has secured critical support from Western allies, while Russia has turned to new partnerships, including North Korea, to bolster its forces.

After prolonged negotiations, US President Joe Biden has authorised Ukraine to deploy long-range Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) against Russian targets, including in the Kursk region. Reports suggest the decision comes as Moscow deploys an estimated 12,000 North Korean troops to bolster its positions near the frontlines. However, restrictions on the missiles' use remain in place, limiting their potential impact.

The decision sparked a stern warning from Russian President Vladimir Putin, who claimed that such strikes would signal NATO's direct involvement in the conflict. Putin highlighted the reliance of ATACMS missiles on NATO satellite systems, which he argued implicates Western operators in their deployment.

While Biden’s approval represents a significant shift, the US has supplied only a limited number of missiles. The US announcement has also intensified scrutiny on Germany, France and the UK, which have also faced Ukrainian requests for long-range missile systems. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has declined to send Taurus missiles, citing domestic security concerns and the risk of further escalation.

"Many citizens in Germany are worried about security and peace in Europe," Scholz said during the G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro, underscoring his reluctance to approve Kyiv's use of advanced German weaponry.

Meanwhile, France has similarly declined to allow Ukraine to use its Storm Shadow missiles for deep strikes into Russian territory, seemingly indicating a fracture among Western allies supporting Ukraine.

The EU announced it has delivered its pledged 1mn rounds of artillery shells to Ukraine – six months behind schedule. The delay, confirmed by EU diplomat Josep Borrell, underscores logistical challenges in maintaining consistent support for Kyiv’s war effort.

While the €45bn in EU military aid and the training of 75,000 Ukrainian soldiers are significant achievements, Borrell admitted the assistance remains insufficient to decisively shift the battlefield dynamics. He urged the EU to increase aid and abandon restrictions on Ukraine’s military operations.

Bloomberg has indicated that North Korea may send up to 100,000 troops to aid Russia, following earlier deployments of around 10,000 soldiers in the Kursk region. North Korea has also supplied millions of artillery rounds and other munitions, easing Russia’s resource constraints.

In return, Pyongyang is reportedly receiving financial compensation and access to advanced military technologies, including missile systems and reconnaissance satellites. South Korean intelligence suggests that North Korean soldiers are being paid approximately $2,000 each – a staggering sum compared to domestic wages in North Korea, where the average annual income is less than $25.