North Korea has confirmed for the first time that it has sent troops to Russia, stating that its soldiers have helped Moscow reclaim areas in the Russian region of Kursk under Ukrainian control for months.
The KCNA news agency explained that units of the North Korean armed forces „participated in the operations to liberate the occupied areas in Kursk”, ensuring that the war effort of these soldiers „ended victoriously,” AFP reports.
"Those who fought for justice are all heroes and representatives of the honor of the country," said North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, quoted by KCNA. He added that a monument commemorating the "battle's success" will soon be erected in the capital of Pyongyang.
For several months, Kiev, South Koreans, and Westerners denounced the participation of several thousand North Korean soldiers in the fighting, a fact that Moscow and Pyongyang have always refused to admit.
Russia and North Korea signed a common strategic partnership agreement in June 2024, which includes mutual military assistance in the event of an attack on either country.
This first North Korean confirmation of troop deployment in Russia comes after Moscow claimed on Saturday the complete liberation of its Kursk border region, with Kiev describing this announcement as "false" and "propaganda."
In his speech, the Chief of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces, Valery Gerasimov, praised on Saturday the heroism of the North Korean fighters mobilized to recapture this region, the first official confirmation from Moscow of the "participation," according to his own words, of its soldiers in the hostilities in the area.
"The soldiers and officers of the North Korean army, who fought alongside the Russian army, demonstrated great professionalism, resilience, courage, and heroism in repelling the Ukrainian invasion," he said, praising the "significant assistance" provided.
For several weeks, Ukrainian troops have been retreating from this front area, while the Russian army has gradually recaptured the territory.
Initially occupying an area of about 1,300 square kilometers in Kursk, the Ukrainian army gradually lost territory in this area following Russian counterattacks, supported by North Korean troops. Since the beginning of March, Ukrainian losses have accelerated due to a strong Russian counteroffensive.