According to the state news agency, Pyongyang’s military forces helped Russian troops "completely liberate" the border area of Russia’s Kursk region, following orders from North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.
What North Korea Said
The confirmation comes just days after Russian Chief of General Staff Valery Gerasimov praised the "heroism" of North Korean soldiers, publicly acknowledging their presence for the first time. Pyongyang emphasized that their “friendship tested by blood” with Russia would further strengthen bilateral ties.
The statement, however, did not clarify what will happen to North Korean troops after their mission in Kursk or whether they will return home.
Casualties and Criticism
Western intelligence agencies and South Korea have previously reported that around 11,000 North Korean troops were deployed to Russia, with at least 1,000 soldiers killed over a three-month period.
Military experts have expressed concern about the effectiveness and preparedness of the North Korean forces:
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Colonel Hamish de Bretton-Gordon, a former British tank brigade commander, stated that North Korean troops are barely trained and struggle to communicate under Russian command.
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Despite their lack of modern warfare experience, Ukraine’s Commander-in-Chief General Oleksandr Syrsky warned that the large number of highly motivated North Korean soldiers poses a significant challenge for Ukrainian forces on the front.
International Response
Following North Korea’s confirmation, the United States has stated that Pyongyang must now bear full responsibility for actively supporting Russia’s war against Ukraine.
This deepening of military cooperation between Russia and North Korea follows agreements signed last year, pledging mutual support in the event of external aggression.
