Russian soldiers said North Korea helped retake Kursk.

• Russian Army, with North Korean assistance, has liberated the Kursk region from Ukrainian control.

• Chief of Staff Valery Gerasimov praised North Korean soldiers’ “heroism” in defeating Ukrainian forces.

• Ukrainian Army denied Russia’s claim of driving Ukrainian forces out of Kursk, stating enemy leadership’s claims were propaganda.

• Ukrainian forces continue to hold positions in Kursk and continue operations in Belgorod.

• Over 10,000 North Korean soldiers were sent to Russia last year to aid Russia in fighting Ukraine’s shock offensive in Kursk.

• Kursk’s liberation is expected to pave the way for further advances in other fronts.

• The news came as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky discussed a “full and unconditional ceasefire” with US President Donald Trump.