North Korea sent 10,000 soldiers to Russia on its own initiative, - NYT.

North Korea has sent 10,000 soldiers to Russia to participate in combat actions against Ukraine

According to U.S. intelligence, North Korea proposed sending troops to Russia to participate in combat actions against Ukraine. Although Russian President Vladimir Putin quickly agreed to this proposal, the initiative came from Pyongyang, not Moscow.

The New York Times reports that North Korean soldiers are primarily integrated into Russian units currently conducting a counteroffensive against Ukrainian forces in the Kursk region of Russia.

U.S. officials believe that Kim Jong Un did not receive an immediate reward for this decision. Likely, the North Korean leader is counting on future support and assistance from Russia in diplomatic matters as well as technology transfers in crisis situations.

According to Ukrainian and American officials, North Korean soldiers are already actively engaged in combat operations, and there are losses among them. One senior Ukrainian official tracking the movements of North Korean troops reported approximately 200 dead and several dozens injured. However, the Russian leadership is trying to conceal these losses.

North Korean soldiers receive better medical care compared to their Russian counterparts. The wounded are often taken to large hospitals in the city of Kursk instead of small rural hospitals opposite the front lines.

In response to North Korea's support for Russia, the U.S. Treasury Department has imposed new sanctions against banks, shipping companies, and nine individuals.