Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin reported that North Korean troops in Russian uniforms are moving to Russia’s Kursk region near Ukraine, a destabilizing development. Concerns rise over North Korea deploying up to 11,000 troops to Russia, with some heading to combat zones. Austin warned this could extend the Ukraine conflict and potentially involve other nations. South Korean Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun noted the deployment might increase security threats and speculated North Korea might seek advanced technologies in return. Both Austin and Kim urged North Korea to withdraw its troops.