North Korean Troops Deployed in Russia's Kursk Region

Ukraine's military intelligence has reported the deployment of the first North Korean troops, trained in Russia, to the Kursk region, coinciding with ongoing tensions in the Russian-Ukrainian war. A total of approximately 12,000 North Korean soldiers, including officers and generals, are believed to have been sent to Russia, with their presence in the combat zone first noted on October 23, 2024. While the Kremlin has dismissed earlier troop deployment reports as 'fake news,' President Putin acknowledged that it is Russia's prerogative to manage its partnership with North Korea. The U.S. has indicated evidence of North Korean troop shipments, suggesting a significant military collaboration between the two nations. Ukraine has urged its allies to impose sanctions against North Korea for its involvement in the conflict. Reports also state that Russian Deputy Defense Minister Yunus-Bek Yevkurov is overseeing the training of these North Korean forces.