Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed gratitude to North Korean troops for their participation in the fight against Ukrainian forces in the Kursk region of Russia. This came after North Korea confirmed for the first time on April 28 that it had deployed troops to Russia, reports RFE.
In a statement released by the Kremlin, Putin praised the heroism and dedication of North Korean soldiers, stating that they “stood side by side with Russian fighters to protect our homeland as if it were their own.”
On April 26, Russia claimed it had fully regained control of the Kursk region, which had been seized by Ukrainian forces in a surprise operation last year. Ukrainian officials have denied this claim.
The Korean Central News Agency published a photo on October 2, 2024, showing troops participating in training at an undisclosed location in North Korea.
Related News: Russia Admits to Using North Korean Troops in Fight Against Ukraine
US, South Korean, and Ukrainian intelligence officials stated that North Korea had deployed 10,000-12,000 troops to Russia last year, marking the first large-scale involvement of North Korean soldiers in an armed conflict since the Korean War (1950-1953). However, North Korea had neither confirmed nor denied these reports until this Monday.
According to the North Korean Central Military Commission, Kim Jong Un, the leader of North Korea, decided to send troops to Russia based on a mutual defense treaty signed with Putin in June 2024. The treaty is considered the most significant defense agreement between the two countries since the Cold War, obligating both states to offer immediate military assistance if one is attacked.
Kim Jong Un’s statement emphasized that the deployment aimed to “eradicate and root out the neo-Nazi Ukrainian invaders and liberate the Kursk region in cooperation with Russian armed forces.”
Kim stated, “Those who fought for justice are all heroes and representatives of the honor of the homeland.”
Although the statement did not specify the number of troops deployed or casualties sustained, South Korea reported in March that around 4,000 North Korean soldiers had been killed or wounded in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. South Korea also estimated that North Korea had sent an additional 3,000 soldiers earlier this year.
North Korean soldiers are known for their discipline and rigorous training, but observers note that they are vulnerable to drone and artillery attacks on the Russia-Ukraine battlefield, given their lack of combat experience and unfamiliarity with the terrain. Despite this, Ukrainian military and intelligence officials have acknowledged that North Korean troops have gained valuable battlefield experience and have played a crucial role in Russia’s strategy in the Kursk battle.
