North Korean leader Kim Jong-un reportedly sent New Year’s messages to North Korean soldiers deployed in Russia's war against Ukraine, urging them to "fight with courage" until the end, according to a news report.

Volodymyr Zelensky announced the capture of two injured North Korean soldiers, and has offered to swap them for Ukrainian soldiers being held by Russia.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has encouraged and expressed gratitude to troops deployed to fight for Russia in its war against Ukraine, in what appeared to be his New Year's message sent to them, according to a news report.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said he is willing to release North Korean soldiers captured by Ukraine in the Kursk region of Russia in exchange for Ukrainian soldiers being held captive in Russia.

South Korean lawmaker Lee Song-kwon, who was briefed by the country's intelligence agency, said the number of wounded and killed North Korean soldiers shows

After a battle in the Kursk region of Russia this week, Ukrainian special forces inspected bodies of more than a dozen killed North Korean soldiers.

Weapons and notes left on dead North Korean troops in Russia give Ukraine a glimpse into their mindset — and show how they are quickly adapting to modern war.

Russian forces continue to advance on Ukrainian positions in Kursk, according to the journalists' sources, citing Ukrainian military personnel fighting in Russia’s Kursk Oblast. The "sudden absence" of North Korean troops on the battlefield may indicate that they are regrouping and assessing their future actions,