Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday expressed his gratitude to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un for sending troops to assist Russia in reclaiming territory from Ukrainian forces in the Kursk region.
“The Korean friends acted with solidarity, justice, and true camaraderie,” the Kremlin quoted Putin as saying. “We are deeply grateful to Comrade Kim Jong Un personally, and to the North Korean people.”
Over the weekend, Russian Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov also praised the “heroism” of the North Korean soldiers, highlighting their “significant contribution” in defeating Ukrainian forces.
For the first time, North Korea officially confirmed on Monday that it had deployed troops to Russia. According to the state news agency KCNA, North Korean soldiers participated in combat operations aimed at retaking areas in the Kursk region, following a surprise Ukrainian incursion in August.
This confirmation comes after months of reports from South Korean and Western intelligence agencies suggesting that Pyongyang had sent over 10,000 soldiers to assist Russia last year.
KCNA quoted the Central Military Commission as saying that North Korean forces “participated in operations to liberate the Kursk areas.” Kim Jong Un described the deployment as part of a mutual defense treaty with Russia and referred to the troops as “heroes and representatives of the motherland’s honor.”
Kim also announced plans to erect a monument in Pyongyang to commemorate their “battle feats” and acknowledged the casualties, mentioning “the tombstones of the fallen soldiers.” He emphasized the need for “important national measures” to honor and support the families of the war veterans.
