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.

The figures comes after the first official acknowledgment by Pyongyang and Moscow of North Korean troops' involvement in the Ukraine war.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said North Korea’s involvement in the Russia-Ukraine war was justified, calling it an exercise of sovereign rights in defence of a “brother nation,” state media KCNA reported on Saturday.