North Korea Confirms Troop Deployment to Russia in Support of War Against Ukraine

North Korea has confirmed the deployment of troops to Russia in support of its war against Ukraine, aligning with a mutual defense agreement. This move has been anticipated despite prior denials. The situation raises concerns about arms supply and battlefield experiences as the nations solidify their military collaboration.

In a significant development, North Korea has officially confirmed the deployment of troops to Russia to assist in its ongoing war against Ukraine. This statement marks the first instance where North Korea has acknowledged its military support. Intelligence from the United States, South Korea, and Ukraine had previously indicated that as many as 12,000 North Korean troops may have been sent to Russia last year, although until now, North Korea had refrained from commenting on these reports.

North Korea’s Central Military Commission, part of the ruling Workers’ Party, released a statement to state media indicating that leader Kim Jong Un made the decision to dispatch combat troops under a mutual defense agreement. The statement included a declaration from Kim stating that the troops were meant to “annihilate and wipe out the Ukrainian neo-Nazi occupiers and liberate the Kursk area in cooperation with the Russian armed forces.” This rhetoric underscores the deepening military ties between the two nations.

Prior reports suggested North Korea had recently sent additional soldiers following significant casualties among its troops stationed at the Russian-Ukraine frontline. South Korea’s National Intelligence Service disclosed in February that North Korean forces had suffered heavy losses, estimating around 300 dead and 2,700 injured, while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy suggested the toll could be approximately 4,000.

Earlier this year, Kim had demonstrated firm support for Russia’s military actions in Ukraine during a meeting with Sergei Shoigu, a Russian security official, where both affirmed their commitment to the defense treaty established last year. Furthermore, discussions about a potential visit by Kim to Moscow have been reported by Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrei Rudenko.

Moreover, North Korea has been supplying various conventional weapons to Russia, raising concerns among South Korea, the United States, and their allies about potential technology transfers that could bolster Pyongyang’s own nuclear capabilities. There are expectations that North Korea might receive economic and other forms of assistance from Russia in return.

Despite being characterized as well-disciplined and trained, North Korean soldiers have faced challenges on the battlefield, becoming easy targets for Ukrainian drone and artillery assaults. Observers note that these troops, though inexperienced, are acquiring vital combat experience and are viewed as instrumental in Russia’s tactical decision to deploy large manpower in the ongoing battle for Kursk.

In summary, North Korea’s admission of military support for Russia in the conflict against Ukraine signifies a notable escalation in their defense cooperation. The acknowledged troop deployment, alongside ongoing supply of weapons, indicates a burgeoning alliance which may alter the dynamics of the conflict. Both North Korea and Russia appear committed to deepening their military and strategic partnership, with potential ramifications for regional security and international relations.

Original Source: www.9news.com.au