Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov publicly thanked North Korean soldiers for their "heroic" role in helping Russian forces defend the Kursk Region against Ukrainian advances. The statement, made during a diplomatic event, highlights growing military cooperation between Russia and North Korea amid the ongoing war in Ukraine.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just a routine thank-you—it’s a signal of deepening ties between two heavily sanctioned regimes. Russia’s overt praise for North Korean troops suggests Pyongyang may be more directly involved in the Ukraine conflict than previously acknowledged, which could further strain relations with the West. It also raises questions about what North Korea is getting in return for its support.