North Korean Troops Confirmed Fighting Alongside Russia in Ukraine

Ukrainian President Zelensky reports the first deaths of North Korean soldiers deployed to support Russia and warns of their use as expendable frontline forces.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed the deaths of North Korean soldiers fighting for Russia in western Ukraine but did not disclose specific casualty numbers.
Approximately 12,000 North Korean troops have reportedly been stationed in Russia's Kursk region, near the Ukrainian border, with some engaged in combat operations.
North Korean forces are believed to be integrated into Russian military units and have received training in artillery, drones, and basic infantry tactics.
Zelensky and other officials have characterized North Korean troops as being used as 'cannon fodder' by Moscow, raising questions about their effectiveness and interoperability with Russian forces.
North Korea has strengthened its military alliance with Russia, providing munitions and missiles while reportedly receiving air-defense systems, economic aid, and weapons development assistance in return.

South China Morning Post