North Korean troops clash with Ukrainian forces in Russia's Kursk region

North Korean troops have reportedly clashed with Ukrainian forces in Russia's Kursk region, according to the New York Times. The engagement was described as limited and aimed at testing Ukrainian defenses, with North Korean soldiers fighting alongside Russian forces. The Pentagon noted the presence of at least 10,000 North Korean troops in Kursk but could not confirm their involvement in combat. Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov acknowledged the first engagement with North Korean troops. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy stated that these clashes mark a new phase of instability globally. The exact timing of the fighting remains unclear, and various government offices have not commented on the reports.