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,

North Korea has ratified a landmark defence pact with Russia, state media reported Tuesday, deepening security cooperation that has seen Pyongyang send thousands of troops to help Moscow fight Ukraine.