Russia ratifies military pact with North Korea as border clashes escalate with Ukraine

Russia's parliament has ratified a mutual defense pact with North Korea, formalizing military cooperation that began months ago. This agreement requires both countries to provide military assistance if either faces aggression. Ukrainian officials report clashes with North Korean soldiers in the Kursk region, where some North Koreans are already deployed. Ukraine's Defense Minister noted that these confrontations mark the beginning of a new phase of conflict. The presence of North Korean troops has raised concerns among Ukraine and its allies, with estimates suggesting around 11,000 North Korean soldiers are in Kursk. Discussions about this deployment are ongoing among NATO, the U.S., and South Korea.