Ukraine reports first clash with North Korean troops supporting Russia

Ukraine has reported its first military engagement with North Korean troops supporting Russia. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Ukrainian forces fired artillery at North Korean soldiers in the Kursk region, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict. Zelenskyy warned that this new alliance between North Korea and Russia could destabilize not only Ukraine but also other nations in Asia. He emphasized the need for strong counteractions against this development. South Korea's Defense Ministry confirmed the arrival of over 10,000 North Korean troops in Russia. Ukrainian officials described the engagement as small and not yet systematic, but they anticipate further deployments of North Korean units to the frontline.