North Korea Confirms Troops Sent to Ukraine War

North Korea has officially confirmed for the first time that it has deployed troops to support Russia in the Ukraine war, focusing on operations in the contested Kursk region. The deployment stems from a mutual defense treaty signed in June 2024 between Kim Jong Un and Vladimir Putin, pledging reciprocal military aid if either nation is attacked. South Korean intelligence estimates about 600 North Korean soldiers have been killed and 4,700 have been killed or injured, with many remains cremated in Russia before being returned to North Korea. In return for its involvement, North Korea is believed to have received Russian technical assistance for its satellite and drone programs. The United States has condemned North Korea's actions, warning that its support prolongs the conflict. International recognition of North Korea's direct military role signals a significant shift in alliances and complicates diplomatic efforts to resolve the war.