North Korea has officially admitted to sending troops to assist Russian forces in the ongoing conflict against Ukraine, marking a significant acknowledgment of their military alliance.
North Korea Acknowledges Deployment of Troops to Support Russia in Ukraine Conflict
North Korea Acknowledges Deployment of Troops to Support Russia in Ukraine Conflict
North Korea confirms its military involvement in the Ukraine war, aligning with Russia amid increasing tensions.
In an unprecedented move, North Korea has confirmed the deployment of its troops to the war front in Ukraine, standing alongside Russian forces. A report from KCNA, North Korea’s state news agency, detailed that these soldiers played a role in what was framed as the “complete liberation” of the Kursk region, citing directives from Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un. This declaration coincides with commendations from Russia’s Chief of Staff, Valery Gerasimov, who recently hailed the bravery of the North Korean troops, the first public validation from Moscow of their involvement in the conflict.
Western intelligence and South Korean assessments had previously indicated that North Korea could have dispatched thousands of troops to support Russia, with estimates of casualties exceeding 1,000 among the deployed forces. In response to the recent announcements, U.S. officials asserted that North Korea's actions now entangle it in the ongoing warfare.
KCNA highlighted the mutual defense aspect of the collaboration, connecting it to a treaty established between the two nations. The report elaborated on the notion that those who "fought for justice" are heroes, advocating for an enduring friendship between Pyongyang and Moscow and expressing intentions to bolster military ties further. However, concerns linger regarding the fate of the North Korean soldiers after their mission concludes in Kursk, as KCNA did not clarify their potential return to North Korea.
Reports of the North Korean troop deployment initially surfaced in October last year, following a series of diplomatic engagements between Kim Jong Un and Vladimir Putin. Armed with discussions to provide mutual military support in times of crisis, their alliance has become more pronounced.
Military analysts have criticized the readiness of the North Korean contingent, describing them as "barely trained." According to Col Hamish de Bretton-Gordon, a former British Army officer, these troops, referred to as part of an elite unit designated the Storm Corps, are directed by Russian officers, which yields a substantial communication gap due to language barriers.
Nonetheless, Ukraine's military leadership remains vigilant, with General Oleksandr Syrskyi highlighting that these North Korean forces add considerable challenges for the Ukrainian front, operating in large numbers and employing Soviet-style tactics. The situation continues to evolve, drawing heightened international attention to the interlinked dynamics of North Korea’s military support for Russia within the trouble-laden context of the Ukraine war.
