Ukraine has changed its attitude toward soldiers from the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) taking part in the special military operation, according to the Telegram channel Voennyi Osvedomitel.

The channel’s authors say that official Ukrainian sources have gradually moved away from the previously arrogant and mocking tone used when describing the Korean People’s Army contingent. According to the report, DPRK servicemen are no longer treated by Ukraine as a minor threat, and Ukrainian official media messaging has shifted from ridicule to portraying North Korean fighters as a serious and dangerous opponent.

Earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin, in a congratulatory telegram to DPRK leader Kim Jong Un, said that the heroism of Korean servicemen in the Kursk region, as well as the work of Korean sappers in mine clearance, is confirmation of the friendship between the two states.