Russian Soldiers Wounded in Ukraine Receive Care in North Korea

Russian soldiers injured in the Ukraine conflict are receiving medical treatment in North Korea, according to Russian ambassador Alexander Matsegora. The two nations have reinforced their ties in recent years, culminating in various agreements aimed at mutual defense and cooperation. Additionally, North Korea has provided this medical care at no expense to Russia, reflecting their growing partnership.

In a recent interview with the Russian state-controlled media outlet Rossiyskaya Gazeta, Alexander Matsegora, Russia’s ambassador to North Korea, revealed that Russian soldiers wounded in the conflict in Ukraine are receiving medical treatment and rehabilitation in North Korea. This development highlights the increasingly close relations between Russia and North Korea, particularly as both nations align against Western influence, presenting challenges to global stability.

The strategic partnership agreement ratified by Russia and North Korea in the fall of 2024 aims to enhance cooperation in trade, science, technology, and defense. Nonetheless, this agreement overlooked any specifics related to the medical care of injured Russian soldiers. Matsegora emphasized that treatment for these soldiers is conducted in “the best hospitals and sanatoriums” of North Korea and is provided free of charge, noting that “hundreds” have already been sent for rehabilitation.

Ambassador Matsegora further indicated that the North Koreans were appreciative of this support when he suggested providing compensation for their expenses, saying they were “sincerely offended and asked us never to do it again.” In addition to military matters, the lives of service members’ families are also considered, as the children of Russian soldiers killed in Ukraine are said to be vacationing in North Korea. Exchange programs for university students between the two countries are also in development.

Furthermore, the military collaboration between Moscow and Pyongyang has intensified, with a mutual defense pact signed by President Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong-un in June 2024. North Korea’s involvement in the conflict escalated from merely supplying weapons, such as artillery and missiles, to deploying troops in support of Russian forces. Reports indicate that as many as 12,000 North Korean soldiers were stationed in Russia’s Kursk Oblast last fall to assist in countering Ukrainian advances in the area.

The information presented underscores the strengthened partnership between Russia and North Korea, particularly highlighted by the treatment of wounded Russian soldiers in North Korean facilities. The mutual efforts in military cooperation, as well as in humanitarian outreach to the families of soldiers, signify a deepening bond between the two nations amidst a shifting geopolitical landscape.

Original Source: kyivindependent.com