India, April 28 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin "appreciated" and thanked North Korean leader Kim Jong Un for sending his troops to help Moscow fight Ukrainian forces in the Kursk region.

The Kremlin, in a statement on Monday, cited Putin as hailing the heroism and dedication of the North Korean troops for being "shoulder to shoulder with Russian fighters" to defend their Motherland as "their own".

"The Korean friends acted, guided by the sentiments of solidarity, justice and real camaraderie," Putin said. He further added that Russia appreciates the help a lot and is "deeply grateful to comrade Kim Jong Un personally...and the North Korean people".

Earlier on Saturday, Moscow said that its troops had fully reclaimed the Kursk regi...