Ukraine War News Live Updates: North Korea recognises independence of breakaway regions in Ukraine

North Korea on Wednesday recognized the independence of two separatist areas supported by Russia, Donetsk and Luhanansk, in East Ukraine, the AP news agency reported. In response, the Ukraine Foreign Ministry decided on diplomatic relations with North Korea.

According to government media in North Korea, the country’s foreign minister, Choe Sun Hui, sent a letter to leaders in Donetsk and Luhanansk to express their willingness to start diplomatic relations.

Meanwhile, officials from Ukraine, Russia, Turkey and the United Nations met Wednesday in Istanbul. Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar stated that the agreement would be signed next week to ensure safe seed exports from Ukraine, the AP news agency reported. United Nations Head Antonio Guterres, however, said that more work needed before the agreement could be completed.

On Wednesday, Russia carried out an attack on South Ukraine. According to the Ukraine authorities, Missles Russia hit MyKolaiv, killing at least five people, and the cities of Zaporizhhia.Ukraine troops reached two military examination posts and landing foundations on Thursday in the second strike this week in an area controlled by Russia in South Ukraine, said Ukraine officials.

A new attack on Nova Kakhovka in the Kherson region killed 13 “invaders”, Serhiy Brandchuk, a spokesman for Regional Administration Odesa, quoted operational commands to the south. He did not quote evidence for the death toll.