More than 50,000 North Koreans will be sent to work in Russia, as Moscow's war in Ukraine drains labour pools.

During the call with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, Russian President Vladimir Putin praised the “bravery” of North Korean troops who fought with Russia against Ukraine.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a phone call to discuss their deepening ties and war efforts against Ukraine, the countries’ state media said Wednesday, ahead of Putin’s planned meeting with U.