Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky has announced that Ukrainian forces have clashed with North Korean troops for the first time, estimating around 11,000 North Korean soldiers are stationed in Russia’s Kursk region. This escalation marks a worrying new chapter of instability, with Ukrainian officials confirming initial confrontations while most North Koreans remain in training. Zelensky condemned the West’s inaction and urged a united effort to counter Russia’s expanding influence. Additionally, Russian lawmakers are set to ratify a mutual defense treaty with North Korea, further heightening concerns about potential military cooperation.