North Korea has officially confirmed that it has sent troops to Russia to assist in the ongoing conflict against Ukraine. This marks the first time the country has acknowledged its military involvement in the war. According to a statement from North Korea’s Central Military Commission, leader Kim Jong Un dispatched troops to fight alongside Russian forces, citing a mutual defense agreement between the two nations.
Kim stated that the North Korean soldiers were deployed to "annihilate and wipe out the Ukrainian neo-Nazi occupiers" and to help liberate the Kursk region, which had been under Ukrainian control. He praised these soldiers as heroes who fought for justice and the honor of their homeland. North Korea expressed pride in its alliance with Russia, describing it as an honor to partner with such a powerful country.
In response, Russian President Vladimir Putin thanked Kim for the support, highlighting the solidarity and camaraderie between the two nations. The two leaders had previously signed a comprehensive strategic partnership treaty in June of the previous year, which includes provisions for mutual military assistance.
Reports indicate that approximately 14,000 North Korean troops have been deployed to Ukraine, with around 3,000 sent as reinforcements after initial losses. Early in the conflict, North Korean forces faced heavy casualties due to a lack of armored vehicles and unfamiliarity with modern warfare tactics. However, they have reportedly adapted and contributed to reclaiming parts of the Kursk region from Ukrainian forces.
Casualty estimates among North Korean troops vary widely. South Korea’s National Intelligence Service reported that about 300 soldiers were killed and 2,700 injured. In contrast, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy suggested that the number of killed or wounded could be as high as 4,000, while the U.S. government estimated around 1,200 casualties.
Following North Korea’s confirmation of troop deployment, Russia’s chief of staff praised the North Korean soldiers for their heroism and significant contributions to the military efforts. Meanwhile, Ukraine’s General Staff asserted that its defensive operations in the Kursk area are ongoing.
The U.S. State Department condemned the involvement of North Korea and other nations in Russia’s war against Ukraine, calling for an end to the conflict and urging Moscow to halt its support for Pyongyang. As tensions continue to rise, North Korea plans to honor the soldiers who fought in Ukraine with a monument in Pyongyang, recognizing their sacrifices in combat.