North Korea confirms for first time troop deployment to Russia for war against Ukraine - Media
The troops participate in the operation under the orders of Kim Jong Un (Photo: Getty Images)
North Korea has confirmed for the first time that it has sent its troops to Russia to support Moscow in its war against Ukraine. Specifically, the troops are reported to be involved in fighting in the Kursk region, according to Yonhap.
The deployment of North Korean troops was carried out under the order of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, under Pyongyang's mutual defense pact with Moscow.
On Monday, citing the Central Military Commission of North Korea, the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) officially confirmed for the first time the sending of troops to Russia. This confirmation comes several months after thousands of North Korean soldiers were sent to Russia to participate in combat operations in the Kursk region.
"The operations for liberating the Kursk area to repel the adventurous invasion of the Russian Federation by the Ukrainian authorities were victoriously concluded," KCNA writes, adding that the national armed forces' units participated in the operation under the order of the head of state Kim Jong Un.
According to KCNA, Kim, concluding that the situation met the conditions for invoking the comprehensive strategic partnership agreement with Russia, made the decision to involve the armed forces in the war and informed the Russian side.
The media also quoted Kim Jong Un, who described these actions as a sacred mission to further strengthen the friendship and solidarity with Russia and to protect the honor of North Korea.
"They who fought for justice are all heroes and representatives of the honour of the motherland," he said.
Furthermore, Kim announced that a monument would soon be erected in Pyongyang, and flowers would be placed at the graves of fallen soldiers with prayers for their immortality.
Russia acknowledges the involvement of North Korean troops in the war against Ukraine
On Saturday, Russia confirmed for the first time the participation of North Korean soldiers in the war against Ukraine. Specifically, Russian Chief of Staff Valery Gerasimov reported to Russian President Vladimir Putin about the supposed completion of the operation in the Kursk region.
He praised the North Korean troops, stating that they acted alongside Russian forces in the Kursk region, demonstrating resilience and heroism.
Meanwhile, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said that Russia will never forget its friends from North Korea.
