For the first time, North Korea has acknowledged sending troops to fight against Ukraine on behalf of Russia. Pyongyang’s military said its troops assisted Russian forces in “completely liberating” the Kursk border region, citing an order from leader Kim Jong Un, in a report by state news agency KCNA.
Days before, Russian Chief of Staff Valery Gerasimov hailed the “heroism” of North Korean troops—the first time Moscow has openly admitted its role and Pyongyang made its declaration. Earlier, Western sources told the BBC that they thought at least 1,000 of the 11,000 men that North Korea had dispatched had been killed over three months.
Ukraine disputes Gerasimov’s assertion that Moscow has retaken complete control of the country’s western Kursk region. The United States responded to the announcement by saying that North Korea must now take responsibility for extending the conflict.
Pyongyang sent thousands of troops to Kursk last year, according to long-standing reports from South Korean and Western intelligence. According to KCNA, Pyongyang and Moscow agreed to a mutual defence contract when they decided to send soldiers. According to KCNA, Kim declared, “Those who battled for justice are all heroes and ambassadors of the honour of the motherland.”
A “friendship proven by blood” would significantly aid in growing the relationship in every way, according to North Korea and Russia, who demonstrated their alliance and brotherhood at Kursk.
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