Russian President Vladimir Putin is thanking North Korean troops for fighting Ukrainian forces in Russia’s Kursk region.

Less than six months later, reports claimed North Korean troops were appearing on the frontline fighting against the Ukrainians. They allegedly joined Putin’s forces trying to oust the Ukrainians holding the Russian region of Kursk,

North Korea confirmed for the first time on Monday that it has sent troops to fight for Russia in the war with Ukraine under the order of leader Kim Jong-un and made an important contribution to the liberation of Russian territory occupied by Ukraine.