Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky has reported the nation’s first military encounters with North Korean soldiers in the Kursk region, where approximately 11,000 North Korean troops are believed to be stationed. Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov described these incidents as initial skirmishes, with many North Korean soldiers currently in training under Russian command. The development raises global concerns about escalating instability, prompting calls from Kyiv for collective action to counter this military collaboration. Tensions have also increased in South Korea, with officials demanding the withdrawal of North Korean forces.