North Korea Confirms Troop Deployment to Russia
North Korea confirmed on Monday that it sent thousands of troops to fight alongside Russia in Ukraine’s Kursk region, marking the first time Pyongyang has officially acknowledged its military involvement in the war between Russia and Ukraine. According to North Korean state media KCNA, Kim Jong Un ordered the deployment under a defense treaty with Moscow, describing the soldiers as "heroes and representatives of the honour of the motherland" who helped "completely liberate" Kursk. Russia’s President Vladimir Putin praised the North Korean forces for acting with “solidarity, justice and genuine comradeship,” while Ukraine denied losing full control of the area.
South Korean and Western officials had long suspected the deployment, with estimates suggesting up to 14,000 North Korean troops were sent, including 3,000 reinforcements after early heavy casualties. North Korean units, who were reportedly lacking modern warfare experience, initially struggled but adapted over time. Reports on the number of casualties vary, with U.S. estimates around 1,200, while Ukraine claims as many as 4,000 North Koreans have been killed or wounded.
The U.S. State Department condemned North Korea’s involvement, accusing it of helping to prolong the war, and warned that both Pyongyang and Moscow bear responsibility for the conflict’s escalation. Experts believe the announcement strengthens the growing alliance between Russia and North Korea and could set the stage for deeper military cooperation moving forward.
