Russian delegation visits Pyongyang; 16 killed in drone strikes across region; Zelenskyy accuses Putin of ‘nuclear terrorism’ over Chornobyl risks. What we know on day 1,524
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has hailed the troops from his country who fought alongside Russia in Kursk a year ago, state media KCNA said on Monday. Kim made his remarks after a Russian delegation arrived in Pyongyang to attend the opening ceremony of a memorial complex honouring those killed helping Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine. In 2024 Ukraine launched a surprise incursion into the Kursk region, capturing more than 1,000 sq km (386 sq miles) of Russian land, but were ultimately pushed back.
During discussions in Pyongyang, Russia and North Korea agreed to “long-term” military cooperation. Moscow’s defence minister Andrey Belousov said “We agreed with the DPRK defence ministry to place our military cooperation on a stable, long-term footing,” The agreement will cover 2027-2031, he said. North Korea has sent thousands of troops – as well as missiles and munitions – to support Russia’s war in Ukraine. In return, analysts say North Korea is receiving financial aid, military technology, food and energy from Russia.
