North Korea troops clear mines in Russia

North Korea's leader, Kim Jong Un, publicly acknowledged that North Korea sent an engineering regiment to Russia's Russia — Kursk Oblast earlier this year to clear mines, a mission that lasted 120 days and resulted in the deaths of nine soldiers. This rare admission confirms North Korea's direct military support for Russia's invasion of Ukraine. In return for this assistance, analysts suggest that Russia is providing North Korea with financial aid, military technology, food, and energy supplies, which helps North Korea circumvent international sanctions on its nuclear and missile programs. Kim Jong Un honored the returning soldiers and the deceased at a ceremony in Pyongyang, highlighting their bravery and the success of their mission in turning a 'danger zone into a safe and secure one'. This event underscores the growing strategic partnership between North Korea and Russia amidst ongoing international conflicts and sanctions.