North Korea is gaining crucial military experience and equipment by sending troops to Russia, a U.S. official warned the United Nations, making the regime a growing threat to neighboring countries.

A North Korean soldier who was captured while fighting in Russia's war against Ukraine has died of his wounds, South Korea's spy agency said Friday. Pyongyang has deployed thousands of troops to reinforce Russia's military, including in the Kursk border region where Ukraine mounted a shock border incursion in August.

US Secretary of State Tony Blinken also suggested that Putin may be on his way to accepting North Korea’s nuclear program

Blinken expresses concerns over Russia aiding North Korea's nuclear ambitions while reaffirming U.S.-South Korea alliance strength.

Weapons and missiles have allegedly been sent from North Korea to Russia, although both Moscow and Pyongyang continue to deny these transfers despite substantial evidence.