North Korea Confirms Deployment of Troops to Support Russia in Ukraine Conflict

North Korea has confirmed it sent 14,000 troops to support Russia in its conflict with Ukraine, under orders from Kim Jong-un. This deployment, which Russia acknowledged for the first time, aims to bolster operations in the Kursk region. Despite heavy casualties, North Korean forces are adapting quickly to the challenges faced in battle, underscoring the significance of the military alliance between the two nations.

In a notable development, North Korea has openly acknowledged for the first time that it deployed troops to support Russia in the ongoing conflict against Ukraine. This revelation came during comments made by state media on April 27, 2025, reflecting a significant backing of Russian efforts to regain control of territory previously occupied by Ukrainian forces. Leader Kim Jong-un is said to have issued the order under a strategic partnership treaty established with Russian President Vladimir Putin last year.

The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) has stated that North Korea considers its involvement a pivotal contribution to what they term the liberation of Russian territory, specifically referencing the successful operations in the Kursk region. According to the KCNA report, this cooperation highlights the high level of strategic military friendship between North Korea and Russia, an alliance they claim benefits both nations significantly.

Just last week, Russia announced that it successfully expelled Ukrainian forces from the last village they occupied within Russian borders. However, Kyiv refuted these claims, asserting that its troops remain active in Belgorod, another Russian region adjacent to Ukraine. This ongoing dispute underscores the complexity and volatility of the situation.

Documents from the Central Military Commission of North Korea’s ruling Workers’ Party indicated that around 14,000 North Korean troops, including 3,000 reinforcements, have been deployed. Ukrainian officials have expressed concerns regarding these forces, as reports suggest they have faced heavy casualties due to a lack of armored vehicle capabilities and experience in drone warfare, despite their rapid adaptability to combat.

Adding to this tension, Ukrainian media released a video showcasing two captured North Korean soldiers being interrogated in Kyiv, further revealing the consequences of the ongoing military engagement. In their communication, KCNA portrayed those who fought as heroes, marking an alliance with Russia as an honor for the North Korean state, emphasizing their commitment to this partnership in the conflict.

The recent acknowledgment by North Korea concerning its troop deployment to Russia marks a significant step in their military alliance amid the Ukraine conflict. As both nations reaffirm their strategic partnership, the implications of North Korean involvement remain critical to the evolving situation on the ground. Moreover, the ongoing disputes over territorial claims highlight the complexities of the war and the alliances involved.

Original Source: www.cbc.ca