### North Korean Soldiers Spotted in Russia's Kursk Region Amid Heightened Tensions

In a surprising development, Ukraine's military intelligence service announced that North Korean soldiers have been sighted in Russia's Kursk region, an area currently engaged in military operations. The soldiers, part of a larger contingent receiving training in Russia's Far East, were spotted on Wednesday, according to a post from the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine on their official Telegram account.

The intelligence service revealed that approximately 12,000 North Korean troops have been deployed to Russia and are undergoing training at five military training grounds in the eastern part of the country. This follows reports earlier this month, corroborated by CNN geolocating social media videos, of North Korean personnel arriving at the Sergeevka training ground near Russia's border with China.

The recently cited figure of 12,000 soldiers marks a significant increase from earlier estimates by U.S. officials. Just a day prior, John Kirby, U.S. National Security Council spokesman, informed reporters that at least 3,000 North Korean soldiers had arrived in eastern Russia in recent weeks. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had also mentioned intelligence reports suggesting Russia was training two military units from North Korea, totaling around 12,000 soldiers in two brigades.

The coordination of these North Korean troops involves several weeks of training, including 500 officers and three generals, as per Ukrainian intelligence services. Concerns about the deepening relations between Russia and North Korea have been escalating, with Ukraine repeatedly warning that Pyeongyang might take a more active role in the conflict.

During a press conference at the BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia, President Vladimir Putin confirmed ongoing interactions with North Korea, stating, "We have never doubted that the North Korean leadership takes our agreements seriously." Putin has assigned Russia's Deputy Defense Minister Yunus-Bek Yevkurov the responsibility of overseeing the training for these troops.

Earlier reports by CNN also highlighted North Korean recruits receiving various types of equipment and uniforms at training facilities in Russia's Far East. Ukrainian intelligence noted that these soldiers have been provided with ammunition, bedding, winter clothing, footwear, and hygiene products by Russian authorities.

The deployment and training of 12,000 North Korean soldiers in Russia marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict, potentially altering the dynamics on the ground.