A Russian federal subject (oblast) in Western Russia, with Kursk city as its administrative center.
Kim has described North Korean troops who fought in Kursk as heroes and patriots, including those who self-detonated or charged at the front. The remarks come as Pyongyang’s military backing of Russia is under scrutiny amid reports of heavy NK casualties, with state media framing the actions as loyalty to the party.
Russia has launched a large overnight assault on Ukraine, firing 73 missiles and 656 attack drones that struck multiple cities including Kyiv, Dnipro and Kharkiv. Ukraine's air force has said it has shot down most incoming weapons but at least several dozen missiles and drones have hit targets, killing and injuring civilians and forcing thousands into metro shelters on Tuesday morning.
Ukraine faces a large-scale Russian assault as missiles and drones hit Kyiv, Dnipro, Kharkiv and Kursk. Officials report casualties and ongoing air alerts; Ukraine urges Europe to bolster defenses while Russia says targets are hit.