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The White House has unveiled another military aid package for Ukraine, valued at approximately $425 million. This announcement comes as Russia positions North Korean troops closer to the front lines and a contentious US presidential election looms on the horizon.

This latest package includes a variety of military equipment, such as air-defense interceptors, munitions for rocket systems and artillery, armored vehicles, and anti-tank weapons. These resources are intended to support Ukraine in its ongoing struggle to maintain its sovereignty.

The weapons allocated in this tranche are similar to those in previous packages, with a focus on assisting Ukraine’s air and ground combat capabilities in the expansive, undulating terrain of the eastern Donbas region. The package includes surface-to-air missile system munitions, as well as TOW and Javelin anti-tank missiles.

This announcement follows the Pentagon’s recent confirmation of Ukrainian reports that North Korea has deployed thousands of troops to Russia to bolster Moscow’s invasion efforts.

A new report by the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) suggests that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un likely aims to provide his forces with real-world combat experience, something the country’s military has lacked for seven decades.

“North Korea likely hopes that its forces will have the opportunity to refine offensive doctrine, test their weapons systems against a Western-provisioned adversary, gain command and control experience, and learn how to operate drones and electronic warfare systems on the modern battlefield,” the ISW analysts wrote.

The report adds that Pyongyang likely anticipates that any skills acquired by its troops in the Ukraine conflict will provide an offensive advantage in future engagements, including potential conflicts on the Korean Peninsula.

However, the effectiveness of these North Korean forces, estimated to number between 3,000 and 12,000 troops, remains uncertain. The ISW notes that their ability to learn and apply battlefield lessons depends largely on how Russia utilizes this additional manpower.

Early reports suggest that some of the North Korean troops deployed to Russia’s Kursk region appear to be young and inexperienced, according to Ukrainian intelligence officials.

The weapons for this latest assistance package will be sourced from Pentagon stockpiles, which will be replenished using the $425 million in congressionally approved funds.