Seoul accuses Kim Jong-un of selling mercenaries as 'cannon fodder' to Putin

He made this statement in parliament the day after the National Intelligence Service informed lawmakers that about 3,000 North Korean soldiers had been sent to Russia to participate in the war against Ukraine.

"When troops are dispatched overseas, they usually maintain their country's chain of command and proudly conduct activities with their military uniform, insignia, and flag," Kim said.

According to him, North Korea is disguising itself in Russian uniforms and operates under Russian military command without any operational authority.

"They are assessed to be mere cannon fodder mercenaries," he said. "Kim Jong-un has sold his people's army for an illegal war of aggression."

Last week, an organization associated with the Ukrainian government released a video showing Asian soldiers speaking with a North Korean accent and receiving equipment at a training ground in the Russian Far East.

White House confirmed on October 23 that North Korea had sent no less than 3,000 servicemen to eastern Russia earlier this month, noting that they are undergoing training.

President Yoon Suk Yeol and his Polish counterpart Andrzej Duda condemned the sending of North Korean troops to Russia and agreed to strengthen cooperation in security and defense industries during their meeting in Seoul on October 24.