Pyongyang admits sending troops to clear mines in Russia's Kursk; 9 killed

• North Korea admitted sending troops to Russia's Kursk region to clear mines, a rare acknowledgement by Pyongyang.
• An engineering regiment was deployed for 120 days starting in August, with nine soldiers losing their lives during the mission.
• Leader Kim Jong Un hailed the returning troops and awarded state honors to the deceased soldiers for their bravery.
• South Korean and Western intelligence agencies report thousands of North Korean troops are fighting for Moscow in Ukraine.
• Russia reportedly provides financial aid, military technology, food, and energy to North Korea in exchange for military support.

Why It Matters: North Korea's admission reveals its direct military aid to Russia and soldier deaths.