North Korea on Monday acknowledged for the first time that it has sent soldiers to fight in Moscow’s war against Ukraine, hailing the “excellent soldiers” for their “heroic feats” in Russia’s Kursk region.

North Korea's involvement in the war has sparked fears of global escalation, with Seoul especially concerned of Pyongyang's troops gaining experience.

SEOUL, South Korea — North Korea has confirmed for the first time that it has dispatched troops to Russia to support its war against Ukraine. U.S., South Korean and Ukraine intelligence officials have said North Korea last fall sent about 10,000-12,000 troops to Russia. But North Korea hadn’t until Monday confirmed its troops’ movements.