North Korea has sent 1,500 soldiers to Russia for training, marking its first military involvement in Russia’s war against Ukraine, according to South Korea’s National Intelligence Service.

The troops, transported on Russian ships, were previously inspected by Kim Jong Un.

Ukrainian President Zelensky warned of North Korea’s growing alliance with Russia, estimating 10,000 North Korean troops could soon join the fight, CNN has reported.

North Korean soldiers are reportedly being disguised as Russian troops. Both Russia and North Korea deny these claims despite evidence of their cooperation.

Written by B.C. Begley