Vladimir Putin confirmed that the North Korean army is supporting Russian forces for the first time - we'll be bringing you the very latest updates, pictures and video on this breaking news story.

Russian President Vladimir Putin thanked North Korean troops for fighting Ukrainian forces in Russia’s Kursk region, after North Korea on Monday confirmed the deployment for the first time. In a statement Monday from the Kremlin,

Moscow: President Vladimir Putin claimed that Russian forces have retaken control of the Kursk region, where Ukraine launched a surprise attack last year. However, Kyiv disputed the claim, stating that their troops are still fighting to maintain their presence in the area,

After claiming to have ended Ukraine's incursion into Kursk — with North Korean help — Russia says it is ready to hold peace talks with Kyiv. But President Trump has cast doubt on Putin's remarks and theatened sanctions.

In a statement after Putin made the announcement, the Ukrainian military says their operation "in certain areas in the Kursk region continues." The statement by Ukraine says the s