North Korea’s decision to support Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is part of a “sacred mission” to counter U.S. influence around the world, according to state-run media.

North Korea acknowledged for the first time Monday that it had provided troop reinforcements to aid Russia in its war on Ukraine.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un called for accelerating the nuclear weapon capability of the Korean People’s Army Navy as he saw the first day of weapons firing trials for newly launched multipurpose destroyer Choe Hyon (51) reported state media Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on Wednesday.