Additional Coverage:
Ukrainian military intelligence claims to have intercepted radio communications between North Korean soldiers in Russia. The communications suggest a troop buildup in the Kursk region.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has stated that North Korean troops are present in Kursk and have engaged in skirmishes with Ukrainian forces.
The New York Times and CNN have reported that Russian troops, including North Korean soldiers, are amassing in Kursk for an expected assault.
The Pentagon has declared that North Korean soldiers will be considered legitimate targets on the battlefield.
North Korea and Russia have strengthened their alliance since the invasion of Ukraine, signing a mutual defense pact.
South Korea is concerned that Russia may be sharing missile and nuclear technology with North Korea in exchange for troops.
Seoul’s military intelligence believes that North Korea’s recent intercontinental ballistic missile test may have involved Russian technical assistance.