by Alex Ingram in Politics

South Korea's military announced that North Korea sent at least 3,000 more soldiers to Russia earlier this year, adding to the approximately 11,000 already deployed. Seoul estimates that 4,000 North Korean troops have been killed or injured. Pyongyang has also supplied significant amounts of weaponry, including missiles and artillery. These actions come as Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister hints at an upcoming visit by Kim Jong Un. The US and European leaders are engaged in parallel efforts to broker a ceasefire in Ukraine, but progress remains slow. Russia's willingness to participate is contingent on sanctions relief. Meanwhile, Russia and North Korea's security ties continue to deepen, with potential technology transfers between the two countries raising concerns. North Korea recently unveiled new AI-powered attack drones, potentially incorporating Russian technology. Despite ceasefire talks, fighting continues, with recent Russian drone attacks on Kharkiv.