The first group of North Korean troops have been sent to the Russian region of Kursk where some have tried to desert, according to reports. Ukraine launched an incursion into the Russian region on August 6 and Putin is said to be planning to use the North Korean soldiers in his fight to recapture territory.

Vladimir Putin's closest ally speaks to Steve Rosenberg about the war, nuclear weapons and relations with the West.

Belarusian leader also says he’s “completely ready” to deploy Russian nukes housed in his country if provoked.

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko denied reports that North Korean troops have been deployed in Russia after the United States confirmed their presence. He insisted that Putin ‘would never try

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko vehemently denied reports that North Korean troops are being deployed to support Russia’s ongoing offensive in Ukraine, dismissing the claims as “rubbish.”

U.S. and South Korean officials say there’s evidence that North Korea has dispatched troops to Russia in a potential escalation of a nearly 3-year-old war with Ukraine

The United States, South Korea, Britain and Ukraine say North Korea has sent troops to Russia for possible deployment in Ukraine, a move that the White House said on Wednesday is in violation of United Nations Security Council resolutions.

National Security Council spokesman John Kirby spoke at the White House briefing on Oct. 23 about evidence North Korea sent military forces to Russia.

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, one of Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin's closest allies, said in an interview broadcast on Wednesday that deploying any foreign forces in the Ukraine conflict would inevitably lead to an escalation.

The U.S. said Wednesday that 3,000 North Korean troops have been deployed to Russia and are training at several locations, calling the move very serious and warning that those forces will be “fair game” if they go into combat in Ukraine.