North Korea Deepens Military Alliance With Russia

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has urged his military to be prepared for real war at any time, as North Korea intensifies its military support for Russia in the Ukraine conflict. North Korea has reportedly deployed over 10,000 troops, artillery, missiles, and long-range rocket systems to Russia's Kursk region, suffering at least 600 fatalities and thousands of wounded. Ukrainian intelligence claims Kim may triple troop deployments, while North Korean arms shipments now account for up to 40% of Russia's artillery munitions used in Ukraine. In exchange, Russia is reportedly assisting North Korea with missile development. The two nations have also signed a new defense treaty pledging mutual military assistance, amid heightened sanctions and increased security cooperation among the US, South Korea, and Japan. Kim's calls for military readiness and modernization reflect a deepening alliance with Moscow and escalating regional tensions.