(Reuters) - Russia signed a strategic partnership treaty with Iran on Friday that follows similar pacts with China and North Korea. All three countries are adversaries of the United States, and Russia has used its ties with them to help blunt the impact of Western sanctions and boost its war effort in Ukraine.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has encouraged and expressed gratitude to troops deployed to fight for Russia in its war against Ukraine, in what appeared to be his New Year's message sent to them, according to a news report.

Russia is planning to share advanced satellite technology with North Korea, according to a warning from Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

The US believes Russia intends to share advanced space and satellite technology with Pyongyang, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said.

Neither Moscow nor Pyongyang has confirmed the deployment of troops from North Korea to Russia to fight Ukrainian forces.

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Sunday Kyiv is ready to hand over captured North Korean soldiers to their leader Kim Jong Un if he can facilitate their exchange for Ukrainians held captive in Russia.

Pyongyang has provided Moscow with more than 10,000 soldiers, artillery, and ammunition during Russia’s war as the two sides have deepened their partnership.

Russia signed a strategic partnership treaty with Iran on Friday that follows similar pacts with China and North Korea. All three countries are adversaries of the United States, and Russia has used its ties with them to help blunt the impact of Western sanctions and boost its war effort in Ukraine.

Ukraine captured two wounded North Korean soldiers who were fighting on behalf of Russia in a Russian border region, South Korea’s intelligence service said.

Over 12,000 North Korean troops are estimated to be fighting against Ukrainian forces in Russia’s Kursk region, the United Nations Security Council learned last week. North Korea launched ...

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's powerful sister issued a rare statement on her country's stance on a summit meeting with Belarus on Monday, marking her first media remarks in about two months.