Ukraine-Russia War: 2026-08-09

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said between 30,000 and 50,000 North Koreans are currently in Russia studying the war. He also said North Korean missiles have already been detected in strikes on Ukraine and called for closer South Korea–Ukraine cooperation.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan called on Moscow and Kyiv to declare a moratorium on military actions. The proposal centers on a mechanism to stop attacks on energy infrastructure and commercial vessels in the Black Sea.

Russia's Defense Ministry said air defenses shot down 153 Ukrainian drones overnight over Russian regions. In Belgorod, 13 people including two children were injured in a UAV attack, with preliminary reports of damage to more than four apartment buildings, an administrative building, social and commercial sites, and two burning cars.

Ukrainian sources reported one of the largest attacks of the year on Odesa region, with more than 70 Geran drones and about 20 missiles over roughly two hours, including Iskander, Oniks, Tsirkon and Kh-31P types. The Russian Defense Ministry said targets included port and fuel infrastructure in Odesa and Chornomorsk, plus fuel storage near Bilyary and Novi Bilyary. DTEK reported serious energy damage and water supply disruptions, while damage near Mayaky partly closed the Odesa–Reni highway toward Moldova border crossings.