• North Korea confirmed its troop deployment to Russia for the first time, participating in the war against Ukraine.
• The troops were sent under a mutual defense treaty, aimed at reclaiming Russian territory in the Kursk region.
• Russian President Putin praised the North Korean soldiers for their 'heroism' and contribution to the military operations.
• Credible reports estimate that around 14,000 North Korean soldiers have been sent, with heavy casualties noted.
• The confirmation possibly sets the stage for a looming summit between Kim Jong Un and Vladimir Putin.

North Korea confirmed for the first time on Monday that it has sent troops to fight for Russia in the war with Ukraine, significantly aiding Moscow in reclaiming territory in the Kursk region. This deployment, which comes under a mutual defense treaty signed with Russia, illustrates the strengthening military collaboration between the two nations, according to statements from the Central Military Commission of North Korea, reported by KCNA. The North Korean leader Kim Jong Un referred to the soldiers as "heroes" and underscored their role in contributing to the liberation of the Russian territory from Ukrainian control, according to Channel News Asia, SCMP, and TRT Global.

President Putin expressed gratitude to North Korea for its support, highlighting the "heroism" of North Korean soldiers who "fought shoulder to shoulder" with Russian troops. This acknowledgment also comes in light of reports indicating that North Korea dispatched between 10,000 and 14,000 troops, with significant casualties emerging as they adapt to modern combat scenarios. Reports suggest around 4,000 North Korean soldiers have been killed or wounded during the conflict, reflecting the harsh realities faced by these troops, as noted by The New York Times, Al Jazeera, and HuffPost.

Observers note this public confirmation could be part of a strategic diplomatic maneuver by North Korea and Russia, possibly paving the way for a summit between Kim and Putin, enhancing their previously ambiguous military alliance. Analysts argue that the timing of these statements is crucial as both countries seek to bolster their ties amid ongoing global tensions, as discussed by SCMP and Le Monde.