The United States has alerted the United Nations Security Council to the presence of approximately 8,000 North Korean troops in Russia's Kursk region, as stated by Deputy U.S. Ambassador to the U.N., Robert Wood, during a recent meeting. Wood challenged Russian representatives, questioning whether Moscow still maintains its position that no troops from North Korea, formally known as the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), are in Russia. The Russian delegate did not respond to the inquiry, leaving the status of the troops ambiguous.

Following an initial denial, North Korea has since defended the deployment of its troops in Russia, asserting that it aligns with international law. This development comes amid heightened tensions following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, which has seen Ukrainian forces engaging near the Russian border, particularly in the Kursk region.

The U.S. and several allied nations, including Britain and South Korea, have accused Russia of violating U.N. resolutions and the U.N. Charter by facilitating the presence of North Korean troops, who are part of a country under strict U.N. sanctions aimed at curtailing its nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programs. Additionally, Ukraine has named three North Korean generals purportedly accompanying the troops stationed in Russia.

The Security Council meeting also saw a confrontation between the U.S. and China over allegations that Beijing is providing significant support to Russia's defense efforts. Ambassador Wood criticized China's role, stating, "China cannot credibly claim to be a voice for peace when it enables Russia to wage the largest war in Europe in decades." In response, China's deputy U.N. Ambassador, Geng Shuang, denied accusations of supplying weapons and accused the U.S. of "peddling anxiety" and creating confrontation through its narrative on China.

In a related move, the U.S. announced sanctions against nearly 400 entities and individuals from over a dozen countries, including China, aimed at countering evasion of sanctions imposed due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

The 15-member U.N. Security Council convened at Russia's request to address concerns over Western arms supplies to Ukraine, highlighting the deepening rift among member states regarding the ongoing conflict and international military support.