North Korea trades troops for Russian fighter jets in military deal

North Korea is reportedly trading thousands of troops for Russian fighter jets, according to U.S. Indo-Pacific Command chief Admiral Samuel Paparo. North Korea will receive MiG-29 and Su-27 aircraft in exchange for soldiers sent to support Russia in Ukraine. Paparo confirmed that North Korean troops have deployed to Russia's Kursk region but have not yet engaged in combat. This contradicts statements from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky regarding their involvement. The military cooperation between Russia and North Korea has raised concerns among U.S. officials. They warn that this alliance could lead to dangerous technology transfers that may enhance North Korea's missile and nuclear programs.