Kim Jong Un Claims Justification for North Korean Involvement in Russia-Ukraine War

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un justified his country’s involvement in the Russia-Ukraine war, calling it an exercise of sovereignty. He warned against U.S. provocations toward Russia and noted that North Korea sent over 10,000 troops to Russia. Recent reports indicate North Korean troop casualties and withdrawal amid heavy losses.

In a recent statement, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un expressed that his nation’s involvement in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war is justified, framing it as an exercise of sovereignty aimed at aiding a “brother nation.” According to state media KCNA, he underscored the legitimacy of this military engagement, stating, “Our participation in the conflict was just, and it falls within the sovereign rights of our Republic.”

Additionally, Kim made it clear that North Korea would not hesitate to resort to military action if the United States continues what he perceives as provocations against Russia. He described North Korean soldiers involved in the conflict as heroes, reaffirming their role in the war and commending those participating in a specific operation, the Kursk operation, as the nation’s pride and honor.

Previously, North Korea officially acknowledged transferring more than 10,000 troops and military resources to Russia, encouraged by an expanding military alignment defined by a strategic partnership treaty signed between Kim and Russian President Vladimir Putin in 2022. This deepening cooperation reflects mutual interests amid the ongoing geopolitical tensions.

Furthermore, military reports indicate that in December, approximately 30 North Korean soldiers were either killed or injured while engaged in combat against Ukrainian forces near the Kursk border. Ukrainian military intelligence has noted declines in North Korean troop activity since then, confirming that these forces have reportedly been withdrawn.

A spokesperson for Ukraine’s Special Operations Forces, Oleksandr Kindratenko, stated that there had been no significant military engagements with North Korean units recently. He speculated this withdrawal was due to severe losses incurred. Reports also suggest some North Korean soldiers opted for extreme measures, including self-destruction, rather than capture by Ukrainian forces.

Casualty reports from Ukrainian intelligence indicate that incidents involving North Korean troops took place in several villages near Kursk, where Russian forces have been battling Ukrainian advances for months. Moreover, the Ukrainian agency GUR reported three North Korean servicemen were missing from another area.

The White House has supported these claims, asserting that North Korean troops are likely active on the front lines of the conflict, contributing directly to combat operations against Ukraine.

Kim Jong Un’s recent declarations emphasize North Korea’s justification for military involvement in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, illustrating a commitment to ally with Russia amidst perceived threats from the United States. The ramifications of this move highlight increasing military cooperation between North Korea and Russia, while the situation remains tenuous with reports of substantial losses among North Korean troops. As this conflict progresses, the dynamics of international relations could shift dramatically, especially involving the United States and its allies.

Original Source: www.abc.net.au