North Korea has officially confirmed its military involvement in the Russia-Ukraine war by sending troops to fight alongside Russian forces, marking a significant step in its alliance with Russia. Kim Jong-un has ordered the construction of a monument in honor of North Korean soldiers who died in the conflict, highlighting their bravery and heroism. Reports indicate that approximately 14,000 North Korean soldiers have been deployed to assist in reclaiming territories lost to Ukraine, with heavy casualties reported among them. The alliance between North Korea and Russia is further solidified by a mutual defense treaty signed by Kim Jong-un and Vladimir Putin, raising concerns about potential exchanges of military aid and technology. Despite claims by Russia and North Korea of reclaiming the Kursk region, Ukraine disputes these assertions, maintaining its positions and aiming to use the contested land as leverage in future peace negotiations.

North Korea's state media confirmed that Kim Jong-un ordered the deployment of North Korean troops to Russia to fight in the Ukraine war, marking the first acknowledgment of their participation in the conflict.

A monument will be erected in Pyongyang to honor the North Korean soldiers who died in the war, with Kim Jong-un praising their heroism and ensuring special care for their families.

South Korean and Ukrainian officials report that about 4,000 North Korean troops have been killed or wounded in combat, and a total of 14,000 have been sent, primarily from special operations units.

The military alliance between North Korea and Russia is anchored in a mutual defense treaty signed in June of the previous year, obligating both nations to provide military support if attacked.

Concerns have been raised by South Korean and U.S. officials about North Korea potentially receiving economic aid and advancements in weapons technology from Russia in exchange for military support.

Russia's senior military officials have publicly praised the contributions and bravery of North Korean troops, highlighting their role in the claimed 'liberation' of the Kursk border region.

Ukraine contests the claims of Russian and North Korean success in the Kursk region, maintaining its positions and viewing the area as a strategic asset for future peace negotiations with Russia.