North Korea sends up to 3,000 troops to Ukraine

North Korea has reportedly sent an additional 1,000 to 3,000 troops to the Russia-Ukraine war, according to South Korea's National Intelligence Service. This follows an earlier deployment of 1,500 special forces and 10,000 regular troops in late 2024. Ukrainian officials note that North Korean soldiers are using extreme battlefield tactics, including self-detonation to avoid capture. Despite significant casualties among these troops, they are described as highly motivated and well-trained. The Trump administration is pursuing a ceasefire, with Ukraine and the U.S. finalizing a deal for joint mineral and energy development. This comes amid ongoing high casualties for both Ukrainian forces and civilians in the conflict.