Russia's defense ministry on Monday released video footage purportedly showing North Korean soldiers undergoing combat training.



North Korean soldiers featured in the footage are said to have participated in an operation to fully seize Russia's western region of Kursk from Ukrainian forces.



The video shows North Korean soldiers shooting automatic rifles while running through a trench, and receiving instructions from Russian soldiers on how to handle weapons.



The North Korean soldiers were wearing helmets bearing the Georgian Ribbon, a symbol of the former Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany. The orange and black striped ribbons on their helmets appeared to represent unity between the two countries' forces.



The soldiers were also filmed marching and singing a song to express their affection for North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un. The song has been repeatedly featured on North Korean television since last year.