North Korean troops reportedly deployed to Russia's Kursk region for Ukraine conflict
Summary: North Korean troops have reportedly been deployed to Russia's Kursk region, with about 3,000 soldiers transported from the country's east. Ukrainian officials expect this number to rise to around 12,000, marking the first foreign troop involvement in the Ukraine conflict.
Ukrainian intelligence has raised concerns about the North Korean forces' readiness, describing many as inexperienced regular soldiers. Analysts suggest they may be used as "cannon fodder" in Russian assaults, complicating coordination between the two militaries due to language barriers.
Russia has not officially acknowledged the deployment, but high-level contacts between Moscow and Pyongyang continue. North Korean soldiers are believed to be motivated by the potential for advancement within their rigid social structure, despite the risks involved.
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