International: Pyongyang has officially acknowledged the deployment of its soldiers to fight alongside Russian forces in Ukraine, a move confirmed by the state-run Korean Central News Agency. The announcement marks North Korea’s first public admission of direct participation in the ongoing conflict.
According to KCNA, North Korean troops played a supporting role in what Russia termed the “complete liberation” of the Kursk border region, acting under the directives of leader Kim Jong Un. This confirmation follows remarks made by Russian Chief of Staff Valery Gerasimov during a recent video conference with President Vladimir Putin, where he reportedly lauded the contributions of North Korean forces in retaking Kursk. While Russia asserts it has regained full control of the region, Ukraine has refuted these claims.
Kim Jong Un characterized the troop deployment as a “sacred mission” aimed at bolstering the long-standing relationship between Pyongyang and Moscow, while also upholding North Korea’s national prestige. This announcement comes almost a year after officials from the United States, South Korea, the United Kingdom, and Ukraine reported observing the presence of North Korean military personnel near the Ukrainian frontlines.
The deepening military cooperation between the two nations was further solidified in June 2024 when Kim Jong Un and Vladimir Putin signed a Treaty on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during a summit in Pyongyang. The treaty includes a commitment to provide mutual military assistance should either country face a state of war.
KCNA further reported that a monument is slated for construction in Pyongyang to commemorate the North Korean soldiers who participated in the Kursk campaign, openly acknowledging that casualties were sustained by its forces. Additionally, plans are underway to lay flowers symbolizing immortality at the monument site.
In response to these developments, the US State Department issued a strong condemnation of North Korea’s direct involvement in the Ukraine conflict. The State Department cautioned that the support provided by third-party nations is serving to extend Russia’s aggression against Ukraine.