The assessment came two days after North Korea confirmed for the first time that it had sent combat troops to help Russia recapture parts of the Kursk region.

North Korea said the construction of a new bridge linking it to Russia is a "significant" development of relations between the two countries, state media KCNA reported on Thursday. Russia and North Korea on Wednesday began construction of a road bridge that will span the Tumen River.

The announcement comes after North Korea confirmed for the first time its soldiers are fighting alongside Russia.