North Korean troops have begun engaging in combat operations alongside Russian forces, the U.S. State Department said on Tuesday, expressing concern that Russia had turned to North Korea for soldiers to fight in its war with Ukraine.

North Korea has issued a stark warning to the West over its ongoing support for Ukraine, which it warns could lead to a destructive war with Russia. "The Anglo-Saxons intend to push the European continent to a direct armed conflict with Russia,

North Korea ratified a defense treaty with Russia, state media reported Tuesday, formally deepening military cooperation that has seen Pyongyang send thousands of troops to help Moscow in its war against Ukraine.