"Russia is not interested in peace": EU reacts to North Korea's recognition of military involvement in Ukraine war

This was reported by European Commission spokeswoman Anitta Hipper.

"When it comes to the cooperation with Russia and Russia's deepening military cooperation with North Korea, this sends a very clear message. Russia is not interested in peace. On the contrary, Russia's goal remains to suppress Ukraine, and Russia is desperately seeking any help they can get to help with this illegal aggression, including from actors which are severely disturbing and disrupting the global peace and security. So it is a desperation call from Russia to rely on such actors," Hipper said.

According to her, the fact that Russia is relying on the DPRK shows how isolated and weakened it is by sanctions.

"So this is why we are continuing to do even more to continue to work on the 17th sanction package and to support Ukraine," the spokeswoman added, noting that she currently has no information about possible additional sanctions against Pyongyang.

• The day before, the DPRK officially admitted that units of its armed forces took part in the "operation to liberate the Kursk region" on orders from the head of state. Later, Russian dictator Putin thanked his North Korean counterpart for the assistance.