LONDON -- NATO confirmed on Monday that North Korean troops had been deployed to fight alongside Russian troops in the Kursk region, the area within Russia where Ukraine has been waging a assault.

"The deployment of North Korean troops represents: one, a significant escalation in the DPRK ongoing involvement in Russia's illegal war," NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said. "Two, yet another breach of UN Security Council resolutions. And three, a dangerous expansion of Russia's war."

He called on Russia and North Korea to "cease these actions immediately."

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.