Russia confirms deployment of North Korean troops in Ukraine war
Moscow: In a major development, Russia has officially acknowledged the deployment of North Korean troops fighting alongside its forces in the ongoing Ukraine war.
Valery Gerasimov, Chief of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces, confirmed the participation of North Korean fighters while briefing President Vladimir Putin on the "complete liberation" of the Kursk border region. According to Russian state media outlets TASS and Ria Novosti, Gerasimov specifically highlighted the "role of North Korean servicemen" in the conflict.
"I want specially to note the participation of servicemen of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea in liberating border areas of the Kursk region ... in accordance with the Treaty on the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between our countries," Gerasimov said, referring to North Korea by its official name.
This marks the first time a Russian official has publicly acknowledged the involvement of North Korean troops in the war. North Korea, however, has not issued any official confirmation regarding the deployment.
Gerasimov further stated that North Korean soldiers have been "accomplishing combat objectives shoulder to shoulder" with Russian forces, demonstrating "high professionalism, endurance, courage, and heroism" during combat operations.
Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for Russia’s Foreign Ministry, also commented on the development, acknowledging the presence of North Korean troops. "Gerasimov reported that North Korean fighters, fighting shoulder to shoulder with Russian soldiers in the Kursk Region, demonstrated resilience and heroism. We will never forget our friends," she said in a Telegram post, as reported by Sputnik.
Meanwhile, South Korean and U.S. intelligence estimates suggest that approximately 11,000 North Korean troops have been deployed to Ukraine’s front lines since October last year. Reports indicate that about 4,000 of these soldiers have been wounded, and an additional 3,000 troops may have been sent earlier this year.
The deepening military ties between Russia and North Korea were formalized during a summit last June, where President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un signed a comprehensive partnership treaty. The agreement commits both nations to provide military support "without delay" if either comes under attack.
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Second PUC results: Life convict clears exam with distinction, DGP lauds effort
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Bengaluru: A life convict lodged in Ballari Central Prison has successfully cleared the second PUC examination.
Ashok Kumar S, who appeared for the examination under prison escort, secured 481 marks out of 600, registering 80.1 percent.
Director General of Police (Prisons and Correctional Services), Alok Kumar (IPS), shared the development on his official ‘X’ handle, commending the inmate’s achievement.
In his post, he stated that it was heartening to see a life convict score over 80 percent in the examination, adding that the inmate had appeared from Ballari Central Prison under escort.
It’s heartening to see that one of our life convict prisoners Ashok has obtained 80.1% marks in PUC exam. He appeared under Prison escort from Ballari Central Prison for his exams.
— alok kumar (@alokkumar6994) April 9, 2026
Glad to see that Walls of the prison has not subdued his hopes for a better future. pic.twitter.com/Nzlcy076SR
He further noted that the achievement reflected that the “walls of the prison have not subdued his hopes for a better future.”
Alok Kumar in his post also shared the result sheet of Ashok.
The Karnataka School Examination and Assessment Board (KSEAB) declared the second PUC results for 2026 on April 9.
A total of 6,32,200 students appeared for the examination across all streams, of whom 5,46,698 passed, recording an overall pass percentage of 86.48 per cent.
