Pyongyang appeared to admit for the first time that it sent a contingent of troops to fight in Ukraine, according to the North Korean media.

North Korea's involvement in the war has sparked fears of global escalation, with Seoul especially concerned of Pyongyang's troops gaining experience.

Putin thanks North Korea for military support in Kursk. Trump meets Zelensky at Vatican, raises doubts on Putin's peace plans. Tensions rise amid Ukraine conflict.