"For the Republic of Korea, these actions pose a serious threat, as North Korean troops are gaining combat experience, which could present additional security challenges in the region in the future," Defense Minister Rustem Umerov said following his visit to South Korea.

North Korea is expanding a weapons plant that manufactures missiles used by Russia against Ukraine, according to new research from a US-based think tank.

South Korea has confirmed intelligence suggesting casualties among North Korean troops deployed to support Russia in its war against Ukraine. Ukrainian media, citing Global Defense Corp. reported that about 500 North Korean soldiers were killed in a Storm Shadow missile strike targeting Russian positions in the Kursk region.

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol met with Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov in Seoul on Nov. 27 to discuss concerns over deepening military ties between Russia and North Korea, Yonhap News Agency reported.

Researchers at SI Analytics, a South Korean satellite imagery firm that uses AI technology to scour images, also confirmed the new construction at the February 11 plant, saying in a report on Monday that some of the construction near the loading area would likely be used to conceal the future operations of the factory from satellites.

North Korea could send up to 100,000 troops to aid Moscow in its war against Ukraine, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned, amid reports that the North was sending additional long-range artillery systems.

NATO members on Tuesday reaffirmed their support for Ukraine during talks with the country's officials held in response to Russia's launch of an experimental intermediate-range ballistic missile last week.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has visited the facility several times and the state media has previously talked about the tactile missiles being mass-produced at the location.