North Korea officially confirmed on Monday that its troops are engaged in combat alongside Russia in the war against Ukraine, specifically mentioning their involvement in recapturing the Kursk region. This marks the first acknowledgment of North Korean soldiers’ presence in the conflict, despite previous intelligence reports suggesting up to 12,000 troops had been sent by North Korea last fall. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un had ordered this deployment following a mutual defense pact signed with Russian President Vladimir Putin in June 2024.
In a statement by North Korea’s Central Military Commission, it was claimed that the operation to reclaim Kursk, which Ukrainian forces had briefly seized, was a “victorious” success. Kim expressed pride in this alliance with Russia and honored the soldiers as heroes of the nation. However, Ukraine has denied that Kursk has been retaken and insists its defensive operations are ongoing.
The reported recapture of Kursk could signify a setback for Ukraine amid ongoing U.S.-led diplomatic efforts to end the war. Approximately 4,000 North Korean soldiers have reportedly been killed or wounded, with additional troop deployments announced. As part of acknowledging their contributions, Kim promised to erect a monument in Pyongyang to honor the fallen soldiers and support their families.
South Korea condemned North Korea’s military involvement, labeling it as “criminal behavior” and urging an immediate cessation of actions that threaten regional peace. In parallel with military developments, Kim recently unveiled a new naval destroyer, highlighting North Korea’s intentions to bolster its military capabilities amidst the ongoing conflict.
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