NATO chief confirms North Korean troops deployed in Russia's Kursk region

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte announced that North Korean troops are reportedly deployed in Russia's Kursk region, aiding Russian forces amid a Ukrainian offensive. This marks a significant escalation in military cooperation between Russia and North Korea. Rutte described the deployment as a sign of "growing desperation" from Russia. He called for both Russia and North Korea to cease these actions, highlighting the potential threat to global security. In a rare acknowledgment, Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov confirmed some level of North Korean military assistance, citing a defense treaty signed in June. However, he did not provide specific details on troop locations.