North Korean soldiers deployed to the Kursk region of Russia have begun combat operations against Ukrainian troops, the U.S. State Department confirmed Tuesday.

Observers believe both countries aim to take advantage of a perceived leadership void during the U.S. presidential transition to push their immediate objectives on the battlefield.   The official newspaper of North Korea's ruling party,

SEOUL, South Korea — North Korea ratified a major defense treaty with Russia stipulating mutual military aid, the North’s state media reported Tuesday, as the U.S., South Korea and Ukraine say North Korea has sent thousands of troops to Russia to support its war against Ukraine.