Russia releases first footage of North Korean soldiers on its territory

Russia's Defense Ministry released a video on Monday showing North Korean soldiers undergoing combat training in Russia, shortly after Moscow and Pyongyang confirmed reports of North Korea's involvement in the war.

The video, shared by state media, shows Russian instructors teaching North Korean soldiers how to use Kalashnikov rifles, grenade launchers and hunting rifles for use against drones.

The footage also shows training with hand grenades and fighting techniques in open areas and trenches. Military authorities did not say when the video was recorded, the Telegraph reports.

The footage was released hours after President Vladimir Putin thanked North Korean leader Kim Jong Un for sending troops to help Russian forces recapture territory from Ukrainian forces in the southwestern Kursk region.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Monday that Moscow is "absolutely" ready to send Russian troops to North Korea in exchange for Pyongyang's help.

North Korea's state news agency KCNA previously reported that its soldiers fought in the Kursk region, where Ukrainian forces launched a surprise incursion in August.

Kim said the deployment was carried out in accordance with the Russian-North Korean mutual defense treaty. /Telegraph