Moscow: North Korea is set to dispatch military construction workers and deminers to aid in the reconstruction efforts in Russia's Kursk region, as reported by Russian news agencies. This development marks a significant expansion of the military collaboration between the two nations amidst the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

According to France24.com, Russian state news agency RIA Novosti cited Sergei Shoigu, a top Russian security official, who announced that North Korea will send 1,000 deminers and 5,000 military construction workers to the Kursk region. Shoigu made this revelation during his visit to Pyongyang, where he met with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

Russia's Tass news agency previously reported Shoigu's arrival in the North Korean capital, highlighting that his visit was part of a special mission from President Putin. Although the specific details of the mission were not disclosed, it underscores the strengthening ties between Moscow and Pyongyang. North Korean state media, however, has yet to confirm Shoigu's visit.

In April, both Pyongyang and Moscow publicly acknowledged the presence of North Korean troops in Russia, fighting alongside Russian forces against Ukrainian incursions into the Kursk border region. President Putin expressed gratitude to North Korea for its involvement, emphasizing their contributions to the war efforts.

Additionally, South Korea's National Intelligence Service reported to lawmakers that North Korea has suffered significant casualties in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, with 4,700 casualties, including 600 fatalities. The intelligence service also noted the deployment of 15,000 North Korean laborers to Russia under bilateral industrial cooperation programs.