North Korea Confirms Troop Deployment in Support of Russia Amid Ukraine Conflict
In a significant development, North Korea has officially confirmed that it has sent troops to assist Russia in its ongoing war against Ukraine. This announcement marks the first acknowledgment of such military involvement under the leadership of Kim Jong-un. The state-run KCNA news agency described the deployment as a demonstration of the "highest strategic level" of the two nations’ military alliance.
Recent claims from Russia indicated that Ukrainian forces had been pushed out of their last stronghold in the Kursk region. However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy refuted this narrative. In his latest address, he affirmed that Ukrainian troops are still active in both the Kursk and Belgorod regions, emphasizing their ongoing presence on Russian territory.
The Central Military Commission of North Korea’s ruling Workers’ Party stated that Kim Jong-un authorized the troop deployment in line with a strategic partnership agreement signed with Russian President Vladimir Putin in 2024. According to KCNA, Kim referred to those who fought in this capacity as "heroes" and "representatives of the honour of the motherland."
Ukrainian officials estimate that North Korea has committed around 14,000 troops to the conflict, including 3,000 reinforcements to compensate for losses. While lacking advanced armaments and experience in drone warfare, these troops have reportedly adapted quickly despite suffering heavy casualties during combat.
The U.S. State Department expressed concern over North Korea’s direct involvement, reiterating the need for an end to such military deployments supporting Russia. A spokesperson stated that nations like North Korea share responsibility for the conflict’s escalation. This development underscores the increasingly complex international dimensions of the ongoing war in Ukraine.
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