https://cdnph.upi.com/ph/st/th/4251776986604/2026/upi_com/1bf3bdcd67b7cf27eb995f5c1e75d2d3/v1.5/North-Korea-Russia-boost-ties-ahead-of-Kursk-anniversary.jpg" /> North Korea and Russia are intensifying high-level exchanges ahead of the first anniversary of what they call the "liberation of Kursk,".