Russian troops reportedly failed to back up their North Korean counterparts during a fierce battle for a village in Kursk, as tensions between Vladimir Putin's soldiers and Kim Jong-un's men explode.

       Vladimir Putin has assembled an army of some 60,000 soldiers - including some 11,000 North Koreans - in Russia's border region with Ukraine.

       The Kremlin tyrant is desperate to reclaim territory seized by Kyiv last August during a surprise counteroffensive.

       Fierce battles have raged across the region as Ukraine's troops continue to frustrate Russian attempts to drive them out.

       Over the weekend, North Korean troops looked poised to capture the village of Nikolsky in the Malaya Loknya area.

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       However, it has been claimed they were then forced to retreat after troops from Russia's 155th Brigade failed to show up and provide support.

       A pro-Kremlin military blogger called "Northern Channel" fumed: "Our allies were one step away from liberating the Nikolsky hamlet in the Malaya Loknya area.

       "As of last night, they were under intense fire but still controlled 80% of the settlement.

       "They had been waiting for reinforcements from the 155th Brigade for several days, but those never came.

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       "This morning, North Korean assault groups began gradually leaving Nikolsky in organised groups."

       They continued: "Maybe there's a special attitude toward foreign fighters, but for some reason it doesn't feel right to blame them for the 'surrender' of Nikolsy.

       "What else were they supposed to do when they had completed their task, yet neighbouring units simply turned a blind eye?

       "This isn't just some misunderstanding - it's an element of betrayal."

       Kim Jong-un's soldiers have taken a battering ever since they were deployed to the frontlines.

       Western officials told the BBC that North Korean troops have already suffered nearly 40% casualties.

       The North Koreans were reportedly temporarily withdrawn from the battlefield, but have once again been committed to the battle.