A Russian war blogger has recently published a bizarre allegory to describe the troops from North Korea supporting Russian forces in Ukraine. Using the term “hobbits” as a euphemism, Platon Madov paints a picture of these soldiers as short, wiry fighters fond of chocolate, foreign films, and images of naked women. According to Madov, the “hobbits” come from a divided nation, split after a civil war into northern and southern factions. While southern “hobbits” are known for cultural achievements like singing and shipbuilding, northern “hobbits” are depicted as disciplined yet poorly equipped soldiers, armed with outdated gear from the 1970s and struggling with language barriers.
Madov’s account reveals frequent confusion among these troops, including incidents of friendly fire and attempts to capture their own allies by mistake. Despite these issues, the “hobbits” gradually adapted to modern warfare, becoming more effective on the battlefield. However, they also developed a reputation for petty theft and vandalism, looting supplies from allies and damaging equipment out of mischief.
Wounded soldiers are sent to heavily guarded hospitals away from public scrutiny, and many fallen “hobbits” are buried near the front line by their comrades. Notably, the “hobbits” rarely surrender or desert, possibly due to having no safe place to retreat within a foreign land.
Meanwhile, in Ukraine’s Kursk direction, drone operators from the fifth Somi border detachment have recently disrupted Russian operations, destroying a tank, shelters, artillery and telecom positions, an ammunition depot, and eliminating 10 enemy infantry. These strikes contradict Kremlin claims of control and reveal Ukraine’s continued ability to challenge Russian forces.
In Moscow, Victor Solev of the Russian state Duma defense committee openly stated that the “special military operation” aims to create a single allied state of Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus under what he calls the restoration of the “Russian world” within its “natural borders.” Solev asserted that Kyiv, considered the mother of Russian cities, and historic figures like Prince Vladimir are “Russian,” dismissing Ukrainian sovereignty. He stressed the need for a powerful army and patriotic youth to preserve this vision.
Meanwhile, Russia’s engineers have introduced a new cart for ammunition and supplies, priced at $500 (£410), designed to detach quickly for combat use. On the energy front, Italy has declared independence from Russian gas supplies and backs the EU’s goal to end Russian imports by 2027. Germany’s Chancellor supports continuing sanctions, opposing any reopening of the Nord Stream pipelines despite some US firms’ interest.
Further afield, the American public’s opinion of Elon Musk has plummeted, with his net favourability dropping dramatically among Democrats, dragging down Tesla’s brand too. This decline in popularity coincides with Musk stepping back from politics, which some believe may help his business.
In prisoner exchanges facilitated in Turkey, 390 Ukrainians, including 270 servicemen and 120 civilians, have been freed, with more exchanges expected soon.
