North Korea sends troops to Russia for Ukraine war

North Korea has officially acknowledged deploying troops to Russia to aid in its war against Ukraine, marking its first direct military involvement in a major conflict since the Korean War. The deployment, estimated at 10,000 to 12,000 troops, aims to help Russia regain the Kursk region, according to North Korean state media. This follows a mutual defense treaty signed by Kim Jong Un and Vladimir Putin, obligating military assistance if either nation is attacked. The announcement came after Russia claimed to have ousted Ukrainian forces from the Kursk region, a claim Ukraine denies. North Korea's involvement raises concerns about potential technology transfers and economic support from Russia.