Thousands of North Koreans fought for Russia. A memorial hints at the death toll
A newly opened military memorial near Pyongyang has provided the most concrete sign yet of North Korean casualties suffered fighting alongside Russia in Ukraine. South Korean intelligence estimates Kim Jong Un sent at least 12,000 soldiers. A letter from Putin was read at the dedication.
Panels at the memorial commemorate North Korean soldiers as 'heroes' killed in operations near Kursk and Belgorod. Engraved on a special section are 1,247 names, which analysts believe are only a partial accounting of the true losses.
South Korea's National Intelligence Service said Pyongyang has sent a fresh batch of 4,000 troops, in addition to which the wounded are being evacuated through China. The UN humanitarian coordinator said North Korea is receiving food and fuel aid in exchange for soldiers.
Washington and Seoul see the unveiling of the memorial as further evidence of a deepening alliance between Pyongyang and Moscow. The White House said it was preparing a fresh sanctions package for the UN Security Council.
More from Asia
Taiwan opposition cuts Lai's defence budget despite US warnings
Taiwan's opposition KMT and TPP forced through cuts of about 2.8 billion dollars from President Lai Ching-te's defence budget. The vote came despite repeated US calls for higher spending. China responded with sharp warnings.
Explosion at China fireworks factory kills 26 people
An explosion at a fireworks factory in Hunan province, China, killed 26 people and injured 61, according to state media reports.
China scraps tariffs for all but one African nation
China announced it has scrapped tariffs for almost all African nations. This move boosts China's soft power in African states, but may also deepen economic inequalities.