North Korea Confirms Troop Deployment to Russia Amidst Ukraine Conflict
In a significant development, North Korea has officially confirmed the deployment of its troops to Russia to assist in the ongoing offensive against Ukraine. This confirmation came on Monday through the state-run news agency KCNA, marking the first public acknowledgment of North Korean military involvement in the conflict. According to KCNA, soldiers participated in operations in the Kursk region, acting under a direct order from North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.
The statement released by the Central Military Commission of the Workers Party echoed the Kremlin's narrative, claiming that Ukraine had invaded Russian territory with the backing of Western imperialist forces. North Korean troops are described as essential for the liberation of the Kursk region and the defeat of what was termed 'neo-Nazi' forces, further framing the operation as a 'victory of justice against injustice.' This narrative underscores a deepening military collaboration under the strategic partnership treaty signed between the two nations in June 2024.
Kim Jong-un justified this military engagement as a 'sacred mission' aimed at solidifying the friendship between North Korea and Russia while defending the nation's honor. Plans have been announced for the construction of a monument in Pyongyang to honor the fallen soldiers, indicating that there may be casualties among North Korean forces. The article suggests that special state measures will also be implemented to support the families of these soldiers, hinting at the involvement of both operational and human-cost elements in this military endeavor.
Furthermore, Kim Jong-un's directive to send troops was based on an assessment that the conditions warranted the activation of Article 4 of the bilateral treaty, which stipulates mutual assistance in times of war. This official confirmation comes shortly after Russian authorities acknowledged North Korean military participation during a video conference involving President Vladimir Putin and General Valery Gerasimov, the head of the Russian General Staff.
According to estimates from South Korea, more than 10,000 North Korean soldiers were dispatched to Russia in October, with an additional 3,000 reportedly joining in the early months of this year. As the conflict continues, there are indications of significant casualties on the North Korean side, including two soldiers captured alive by Ukrainian forces in January, as evidenced by photos shared by Kyiv.
The alliance between Pyongyang and Moscow has significantly strengthened since the treaty was signed, suggesting an exchange of military aid for economic resources, particularly in light of the international sanctions imposed on the North Korean regime. This military cooperation is not just a testament to the strategic interests of both countries but also marks a new chapter in their historical ties against an increasingly volatile geopolitical landscape.
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