US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken announced that approximately 10,000 North Korean soldiers are currently stationed in Russia, with around 8,000 positioned in the Kursk region.

While these troops have not yet participated in combat against Ukrainian forces, Blinken anticipates their involvement soon.

During a press conference with US Secretary of Defence Lloyd J. Austin III, and South Korean officials, Blinken highlighted Russia's training of North Korean troops in artillery and infantry operations, indicating potential front-line deployment.

Blinken condemned Russia's reliance on North Korean forces, describing it as a desperate and weak move by President Vladimir Putin, amidst heavy Russian casualties of about 12,000 per day.

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte confirmed the deployment, following Ukrainian intelligence reports.

Blinken also criticized North Korea's recent intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) launch, reaffirming the US commitment to regional security.

Japan's Defence Ministry reported the missile, suspected to be ICBM-class, flew eastward from North Korea, landing outside Japan's Exclusive Economic Zone, marking the longest flight duration by a North Korean missile.

This event marks North Korea's 12th missile launch of the year and the first ICBM launch since December 2023.