The G7, involving some of the world’s richest nations, have made clear that they believe the reports of thousands of North Korean troops being used to bolster Russian forces in Ukraine show Vladimir Putin’s “desperation” to compensate for losses on the frontline.

North Korea’s deployment of troops to support Russia in Ukraine has solidified the split between North and South Korea, putting an end to any notion of peaceful reunification. While North Korea’s presence may not alter the battlefield,

Pyongyang's troops have already been fired open in Russia's Kursk region, according to a Ukrainian military official.