North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un addressing military troops
North Korea is set to send 1,000 mine clearing specialists and 5,000 soldiers to Russia’s Kursk region near the Ukrainian border, according to Sergei Shoigu, secretary of Russia’s Security Council.
The deployment was announced after Shoigu’s talks with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
Shoigu said the North Korean soldiers would assist in reconstruction and mine clearance in the region.
Ukraine has been fighting Russia’s full-scale invasion for over three years, and Ukrainian troops have mined parts of the Kursk region.
The move has drawn international criticism, with concerns over North Korea’s growing military ties with Russia.
The two countries have signed a strategic partnership, including mutual military assistance in case of an attack.
Shoigu expressed optimism about resuming air travel between the two countries, suspended for over 30 years.
The agreement highlights the deepening military cooperation between Russia and North Korea amid ongoing conflicts.
