Vladimir Putin has personally thanked North Korean leader Kim Jong Un for sending thousands of troops to aid Russia in its ongoing war in Ukraine, according to the Kremlin. The troops were deployed to assist Russian forces in retaking territory in the Kursk region, which was captured by Ukrainian forces during a surprise offensive last summer. The Kremlin’s statement praised North Korea’s sense of solidarity and comradeship, thanking Kim Jong Un and the entire leadership and people of North Korea for their support.
++ Farage’s comments on mental health diagnosis spark controversy
Putin expressed his appreciation for the North Korean soldiers, hailing their “heroism, high level of special training, and dedication.” He described the North Korean troops as having fought “shoulder to shoulder” with Russian forces, defending Russian territory as if it were their own. The Kremlin’s statement highlighted the importance of this support and recognised the significant role these troops played in bolstering Russia’s efforts in the war.
North Korea confirmed the deployment of troops to Russia for the first time, revealing that the deployment was aimed at helping Russia reclaim its territory in the Kursk region. Intelligence officials from the United States, South Korea, and Ukraine have estimated that North Korea sent between 10,000 and 12,000 troops last autumn. This marks North Korea’s first significant military involvement since the Korean War of 1950-53. The North Korean government had not previously confirmed or denied the reports of troop deployments until this recent statement.
++ Guterres condemns Gaza crisis as “Killing Field” amid aid dispute
While the North Korean announcement came after Russia claimed to have fully reclaimed the Kursk region, Ukrainian officials have rejected this assertion. The deployment of North Korean soldiers follows a mutual defence treaty signed between Putin and Kim Jong Un in June 2024. This treaty, regarded as the two countries’ most significant defence agreement since the end of the Cold War, obliges both nations to provide immediate military assistance if either country is attacked. The total number of North Korean casualties in the war remains unconfirmed, though South Korea’s military reports that around 4,000 North Korean soldiers have been killed or injured.
