Washington: The United States has expressed concern over Russia's ongoing use of North Korean workers and soldiers in its operations against Ukraine. This statement follows reports from Russian media indicating that North Korea plans to dispatch an additional 6,000 military workers and sappers to the front-line Kursk region in Russia.

According to Yonhap News Agency, a spokesperson from the U.S. State Department highlighted that the income generated by North Korean workers in Russia and other countries violates a U.N. Security Council (UNSC) resolution. TASS, a Russian news agency, reported that North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has agreed to send 5,000 military construction workers and 1,000 sappers to Russia. This decision comes after a visit from Russia's Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu to Pyongyang.

The State Department spokesperson emphasized that Russia's use of North Korean personnel to bolster its military efforts against Ukraine is a serious concern. Furthermore, it was noted that North Korea is depending on Russia to provide critical financial support in exchange for labor and military services. The spokesperson also pointed out that the funds generated by North Korean workers contribute to Pyongyang's weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missile programs, contravening a UNSC resolution.