The first North Korean soldier taken prisoner of war by Ukrainian forces while fighting for Russia has died of his injuries, South Korean intelligence said Friday.

North Korean troops in Russia’s Kursk region are suffering heavy casualties with inadequate support, as reported by Ukrainian officials. President Zelenskyy highlighted their expendability, with estimates of over 1,

Russia launched a massive attack on Ukraine’s energy grid, leaving many in the country in the dark over the holiday. Retired Col. Jack Jacobs shares his thoughts about recent developments in Ukraine and a potential twist in North Korea’s involvement.

Ukraine's air force says it detected 184 missiles and drones, causing damage to energy infrastructure across the country.

U.S. President Joe Biden said on Wednesday he had asked the Defense Department to continue its surge of weapons deliveries to Ukraine, after condemning Russia's Christmas Day attack on Ukraine's energy system and some of its cities.

"Ukraine was brutally attacked on Christmas Day," said Keith Kellogg, President-elect Donald Trump's pick for Ukraine and Russia envoy.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday that Russia is open to a Slovakian proposal to host peace talks with Ukraine to end a conflict he said Russia was determined to bring to a conclusion.

Slovakia on Friday confirmed its readiness to host peace talks between Russia and Ukraine, despite Kyiv's accusation that it is playing into the hands of Russian President Vladimir Putin.