Russia Confirms North Korean Troops Receive Combat Training

Russia has released official footage showing North Korean soldiers undergoing combat training with Russian instructors, marking the first public acknowledgment from both Moscow and Pyongyang of North Korean troop involvement alongside Russian forces in the Ukraine war. The video depicts North Korean troops learning to use modern Russian weaponry such as AK-12 rifles, SVD sniper rifles, PK machine guns, RPG-7 grenade launchers, and anti-drone shotguns, with training tailored for combat scenarios similar to those in Ukraine. Russian President Vladimir Putin publicly thanked North Korean leader Kim Jong Un for sending thousands of troops, noting their participation helped Russian forces reclaim territory in the Kursk region. Both countries have cited their mutual defense treaty as the basis for this cooperation, with Russia expressing readiness to reciprocate militarily. Ukraine and its allies, including the U.S. and South Korea, have condemned North Korea's involvement, labeling it a serious escalation and an admission of criminal activity. The development has raised concerns about further internationalization of the Ukraine conflict and potential broader regional ramifications.