North Korea Sends Troops to Aid Russia in Ukraine

North Korea has officially confirmed the deployment of thousands of its troops to support Russia in Ukraine, escalating military cooperation between Pyongyang and Moscow. Reports indicate North Korean forces suffered heavy casualties and had outdated equipment but adapted quickly to play a significant role in Russia's campaign to retake the Kursk region, which Ukrainian forces had seized in a surprise offensive last year. While Russia and North Korea assert they have fully regained control of Kursk, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy maintains that fighting is ongoing. The deployment has been sharply condemned by the U.S. and South Korea, with Seoul calling it a violation of international norms, while China has urged for multilateral dialogue and de-escalation. Analysts say the move formalizes North Korea's military support for Russia and could signal a longer-term alliance. The situation in Kursk remains highly contested, with both sides disputing control and foreign involvement.