Russia’s State Duma speaker Vyacheslav Volodin has expressed gratitude to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un for what he described as assistance in the “liberation” of the Kursk region, according to state media reports. The remarks come as ties between Russia and North Korea continue to expand amid the ongoing war in Ukraine.
According to officials, Pyongyang has deployed thousands of troops, along with missiles and munitions, to support Moscow’s military campaign. These forces were stationed in the southwestern Kursk region, where they helped counter a prolonged offensive by Ukrainian troops. Meanwhile, analysts suggest that North Korea has received financial support, military technology, food supplies, and energy resources in return, enabling it to ease the pressure of international sanctions linked to its nuclear program.
Furthermore, a Russian delegation led by Volodin arrived in Pyongyang to attend the inauguration of a memorial honoring those who died supporting Russia’s war effort. During the ceremony, Volodin praised Kim and the North Korean people for their “fraternal support,” stating that their soldiers fought alongside Russian forces in the conflict.
In addition, Russia’s Defense Minister Andrey Belousov held separate talks with Kim and North Korean Defense Minister No Kwang Chol. He confirmed that both sides agreed to strengthen long-term military cooperation and are preparing a plan covering 2027 to 2031.
Notably, Belousov also awarded North Korean soldiers for their role in operations in Kursk. This development follows a 2024 defense treaty requiring both nations to provide immediate military assistance if either comes under attack. However, estimates from South Korea indicate that around 2,000 North Korean troops have been killed in the conflict.
