Moscow's counterattack has left Ukrainian forces outstretched and demoralized, killing and wounding thousands and retaking more than 40% of the 380 square miles of Kursk Ukraine had seized.

It is Ukraine’s first confirmation it has detained North Korean troops since they were deployed last year. The move could shed light on Pyongyang’s role in the war.

Ukrainian special forces have captured two North Korean troops, Volodymyr Zelensky said on Saturday. The wounded soldiers have been transported to Kyiv for questioning by intelligence services, the Ukraine president said, in what is believed to be a first since North Korean troops entered the war on the side of Russia.