North Korea Troops Reported Deployed in Ukraine

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has indicated that North Korean troops have been deployed to Russia's Kursk region to support the invasion of Ukraine, citing intelligence from South Korea's National Intelligence Service. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy anticipates the presence of North Korean soldiers on the battlefield imminently, with reports suggesting up to 10,000 troops may be sent. This development raises alarms in South Korea, prompting discussions of military support for Ukraine as a countermeasure. North Korea has shifted from outright denial of its involvement to asserting its right to send troops without confirming specific deployments. Andriy Yermak, Ukraine's presidential adviser, has called for stronger responses and military support from allies to address North Korea's escalating role in the conflict. The situation underscores growing concerns about the implications for regional security and the ongoing war in Ukraine.