Pyongyang: North Korea will send thousands of workers to aid in the reconstruction of Russia’s war-torn Kursk region, according to Moscow's security chief. This decision follows talks between Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Pyongyang.

According to BBC, Shoigu described the deployment as "fraternal assistance" and highlighted it as part of expanding cooperation between the two nations. The meeting also included discussions on other "long-term plans" between Kim and Shoigu. However, the plan has met with swift condemnation from neighboring South Korea and Japan, both of which view it as a violation of UN sanctions imposed on North Korea.

South Korea expressed "grave concerns" over the ongoing cooperation between North Korea and Russia. A South Korean foreign ministry official emphasized the "continuing illegal cooperation," as reported by local media. Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi also voiced concerns, stating that the developments could exacerbate the Ukrainian situation and impact regional security around Japan.

The relationship between North Korea and Russia has seen increased military collaboration, notably since the signing of a mutual defense treaty in November of the previous year. This treaty commits both nations to support each other in case of aggression, a move that Kim Jong Un described as elevating their alliance to a "new high level."

South Korean intelligence estimates that approximately 15,000 North Koreans are currently working in Russia under industrial cooperation programs, providing significant revenue for Pyongyang. In addition, Western officials informed the BBC earlier this year about the presence of North Korean troops in Russia, with reports of casualties among them.

The presence of North Korean troops in Russia was confirmed by both countries in April, leading to condemnation from South Korea and the United States, labeling the deployment as "illegal" and in violation of the UN Charter. Despite international criticism, North Korea and Russia continue to maintain strong ties, with Kim Jong Un recently pledging unconditional support to Russia, particularly on "the Ukrainian issue."

Amidst these developments, Russia also claimed in April to have regained control over the Kursk region, a claim that Ukraine has denied.