The U.S. confirmed on October 23 that North Korean troops may be deployed to support Russia in the Ukraine war, with speculation they could join combat near Kursk.

Ukrainian President Zelensky called the move an “escalatory step,” urging a strong global response.

Reports suggest 10,000 North Korean troops are training in Russia, and up to 1,500 may already be in the Kursk region, though their combat role remains unclear, Newsweek has reported.

This potential deployment signals deepening ties in an “anti-Western axis” that includes Russia, North Korea, China, and Iran, according to analysts.

Written by B.C. Begley