- North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has pledged his “invariable support” for Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine, describing the conflict as a sacred war for defending Russia's security interests and international justice.
- Kim's comments came in response to a congratulatory message from Putin on North Korea's 78th founding anniversary, reinforcing a mutual defence treaty signed between the two nations in June 2024.
- North Korea remains the only third party to deploy ground troops directly into the war, having sent an estimated 14,000 to 15,000 soldiers who have largely assisted Russian forces in the Kursk region.
- Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky warned that Russia and North Korea have agreed to deploy up to 50,000 troops, allowing Pyongyang's forces to gain valuable modern combat experience and access Russian military technology.
- Intelligence assessments from South Korea indicate that in return for supplying troops and munitions to Moscow's war effort, Pyongyang is receiving economic assistance and military technology.
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