North Korea Publicly Confirms Troop Deployment to Aid Russia Against Ukraine

North Korea has confirmed the deployment of approximately 14,000 troops to assist Russia in its conflict with Ukraine, stating that the military collaboration exemplifies a strong alliance between the two nations. Leader Kim Jong-un emphasized the honor of this partnership, while Ukrainian sources reported heavy casualties among North Korean soldiers, despite their rapid adaptation to combat conditions.

On April 28, 2025, North Korea publicly acknowledged its military deployment in Russia’s ongoing conflict with Ukraine. This development marks the first admission from Pyongyang, where leader Kim Jong-un asserts that North Korean troops are contributing to Russia’s efforts in reclaiming territory occupied by Ukraine. The state-run KCNA news agency emphasized the significance of this military support, claiming it reflects a robust alliance between the two nations.

North Korea’s announcement comes in the wake of Russia’s claims of having expelled Ukrainian forces from strategic areas, particularly in the Kursk region. However, Ukrainian officials have contested this assertion, insisting that their operations continue in Belgorod, a neighboring region. The backdrop involves a strategic partnership treaty signed last year between Kim Jong-un and Russian President Vladimir Putin, presumably facilitating this military collaboration.

The Central Military Commission of North Korea indicated the decision to deploy troops was made in accordance with this treaty. The KCNA report highlighted sentiments of loyalty, stating that North Korean soldiers regard Russian territory as allied soil and demonstrated the unity between the two countries’ military forces.

Additionally, the state media quoted Kim Jong-un, who extolled the efforts of those fighting, calling them heroes representing the motherland’s honor. The report included an estimation from Ukrainian sources indicating that approximately 14,000 North Korean troops, including around 3,000 reinforcements, have been deployed. Despite facing challenges such as a lack of armored vehicles and drone warfare expertise, these troops reportedly adapted to battlefield conditions, although they sustained significant losses in the process.

Late last week, Russia also confirmed for the first time the presence of North Korean soldiers in the combat zone of Kursk, a prior topic of speculation without official acknowledgment from either nation. Ukraine, for its part, has recently released video footage of two captured North Korean soldiers, signaling an increase in tensions and the complexities of this unusual partnership in the ongoing conflict.

The acknowledgment of North Korea’s military involvement in Ukraine’s conflict with Russia marks a notable development in international relations. With an estimated 14,000 troops deployed under Kim Jong-un’s order, this deployment underscores the strategic partnership established with Russia. It poses further questions about the ongoing geopolitical dynamics amidst the tensions between Ukraine and Russia.

Original Source: www.cbc.ca