Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he expects clashes between North Korean and Ukrainian troops within days.

In an interview with the Korean Broadcasting System, South Korea's national broadcaster, Zelensky said: “So far, North Korean troops have not taken part in any combat. They are preparing to take part in battles (in Kursk).”

Western leaders expressed concern over reports that North Korea had sent about 10,000 troops to support Russia's military operation in Ukraine. They expressed concerns that Pyongyang's increasing involvement in a European war could disrupt stability in the Indo-Pacific, particularly impacting security dynamics in Japan and Australia.

Zelensky confirmed that he had recently discussed the matter with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, drawing his attention to the fact that about 3,000 North Korean soldiers were already stationed near the Ukrainian front, with that number expected to rise to 12,000 soon could.

Meanwhile, U.S. Defense Department spokesman Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder said Tuesday that a “relatively small number” of North Korean soldiers had arrived in Russia's Kursk region, where Russian forces are battling Ukrainian counteroffensives. He added that an additional contingent of thousands was currently heading to the region.

More to follow.