North Korea has confirmed its troops are fighting alongside Russia in Ukraine, claiming involvement in the recapture of the Kursk region. This marks the first official acknowledgment from North Korea regarding troop deployment, following reports that they had sent up to 12,000 soldiers last fall after Ukraine seized Kursk in August. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un facilitated this deployment under a mutual defense pact with Russian President Vladimir Putin established in June 2024, emphasizing the collaboration’s significance.
In a statement by North Korea’s Central Military Commission, the operation to regain Kursk was hailed as “victoriously concluded” and praised their alliance with Russia. Kim honored the soldiers as heroes representing the honor of North Korea. Russia confirmed the presence of North Korean troops aiding in the recapture, although Ukraine claims its defensive operations are ongoing in the area.
This development poses a challenge to U.S.-led negotiations aimed at resolving the war, now in its fourth year. In exchange for military collaboration, North Korea is gaining modern warfare experience, which its military has lacked since the Vietnam War. However, experts warn that North Korean troops are vulnerable due to limited exposure to modern combat scenarios.
Casualty reports suggest around 4,000 North Korean soldiers have been injured or killed, with additional deployments reported in 2023. North Korea plans to honor its soldiers with a monument in Pyongyang and added societal support for the families of those who fought.
The South Korean Ministry of National Defense condemned North Korea’s actions, calling them criminal and threatening international peace. Concurrently, Kim unveiled a new naval destroyer, continuing efforts to enhance North Korea’s military capabilities.
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