Multiple defectors from North Korea spoke to NBC News about the mindset of soldiers sent to fight for Russia in Ukraine.

The dictator, eager to shut out the influence of Hollywood and K-pop, has been exalting a “shock brigade” of 300,000 teens and 20-somethings drafted into flood reconstruction.

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.

North Korea’s leader has grown more assertive since their last efforts at diplomacy ended in failure — and now has Russia at his side.

North Korean troops' limited combat experience and unfamiliarity with the terrain of the Russian-Ukrainian battlefields have contributed to heavy losses.

North Korea has test-fired sea-to-surface strategic cruise guided missiles, the North's state media reported Sunday, quoting Kim as saying that Pyongyang's deterrence means are being perfected.

South Korea said denuclearization was still the goal after President Donald Trump used a phrase that could imply recognition of North Korea as a nuclear-armed state.

The new U.S. administration wants to reopen talks about denuclearization with the regime in Pyongyang. But experts say President Donald Trump risks provoking new tensions, including with South Korea.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he’s willing to hand over the soldiers to North Korea, if Kim Jong Un arranges for an exchange with Ukrainian prisoners of war in Russia.

Ukraine’s new enemies are learning on the battlefield but have fatal orders to follow to avoid capture, says Kyiv.

South Korea has unveiled a plan to build a US$330 million defence system similar to Israel ’s Iron Dome to intercept rockets fired by the North – as newly inaugurated US President Donald Trump called the hermit state a “nuclear power” and touted his friendship with its leader Kim Jong-un.