Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that approximately 11,000 North Korean soldiers have been dispatched to the Russian region of Kursk to bolster Kremlin forces. This deployment aims to support efforts to push back Ukrainian troops, who have retained control of certain territories since the unexpected invasion in August. Zelensky noted a noticeable increase in North Korean presence, while expressing concern over the lack of response from Western allies in light of the situation.