The assessment came two days after North Korea confirmed for the first time that it had sent combat troops to help Russia recapture parts of the Kursk region.

The two countries have vowed to expand bilateral relations after North Korea sent troops and weapons in support of Russia’s war against Ukraine.

Russian media shared video footage from the country's defense ministry that showed North Korean troops in action, following the first official confirmation from Pyongyang and Moscow of their involvement in the Ukraine war.