Reports emerged that Russia would deploy North Korean troops in Ukraine on October 27-28, prompting international concern. The EU expressed alarm, while NATO prepared response options. President Zelensky confirmed this intelligence, calling it an "escalation step". Meanwhile, Kyiv faced renewed drone attacks, with one striking a residential building, causing a fire and casualties. General Syrskyi refuted Putin's claims of encircling Ukrainian forces near Kursk. The WSJ investigation revealed Elon Musk's two-year communication with Putin, potentially influencing Ukraine policy. Domestically, Kyiv courts issued first verdicts for mobilization evasion. Zelensky announced a 1000 hryvnia payment to citizens and rejected a visit from the UN Secretary-General due to his attendance at the BRICS summit in Russia.