Since then, Russian forces – bolstered by thousands of North Korean troops sent by Putin-ally Kim Jong-un – have sought to claw back most of that land. The North Korean troops began arriving in Kursk from late October as part of a mutual defence pact agreed between Putin and Kim.

Russian President Vladimir Putin visited soldiers in the embattled Kursk region, where Russian troops have pushed Ukrainian forces from the territory they had occupied for weeks. NBC News’ Matt Bodner explains what the show of strength from Putin could mean for peace negotiations between the U.

President Vladimir Putin made a surprise visit to Russia’s occupied Kursk region on Wednesday, as the Kremlin considers a US proposal for a 30-day ceasefire with his troops closing in on Ukraine’s only territorial bargaining chip.