Putin Thanks North Korea for Battlefield Support in Ukraine Conflict
In a significant development, North Korea has officially acknowledged the deployment of its troops to Russia to aid in the counteroffensive against Ukraine. This acknowledgment comes shortly after Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed gratitude to Pyongyang for its active participation in repelling Ukrainian forces in the Kursk region. According to Putin, the Russian military successfully eliminated a group of Ukrainian militiamen who had launched an incursion into Kursk on April 26, 2024. He characterized this operation as a response to what he termed a 'criminal provocation' by the Ukrainian authorities, aimed at seizing territory belonging to the Russian Federation.
Putin emphasized the pivotal role played by the Korean People's Army, North Korea's armed forces, in overcoming what he described as the 'neo-Nazi formations' of the Kiev regime. His statement highlighted that North Korean troops engaged in this operation in strict accordance with international law and under the Strategic Partnership Treaty between Russia and North Korea.
Expressing heartfelt appreciation, Putin thanked Kim Jong-un and the North Korean leadership, stating that the soldiers acted with a spirit of solidarity, justice, and camaraderie. 'We pay tribute to the heroism, high level of training, and dedication of the Korean soldiers who defended our homeland as if it were their own, shoulder to shoulder with Russian fighters,' he declared, underscoring the honor and courage displayed by the North Korean special forces.
Furthermore, Putin assured that the contributions of North Korean troops would be memorialized, stating, 'The Russian people will never forget the achievements of the North Korean special forces. We will always honor the Korean heroes who gave their lives for Russia and our common freedom alongside their Russian brothers in arms.'
In a related announcement, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed that under the mutual assistance agreement, Russia is prepared to offer military support to North Korea if necessary. Peskov noted that the treaty stipulates immediate assistance between the two countries in times of need. He further confirmed that the involvement of North Korean troops in the fighting in Kursk exemplifies the effectiveness of this treaty.
As geopolitical dynamics evolve, this unprecedented partnership between Russia and North Korea on the battlefield raises questions about the implications for future military cooperation and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Both nations appear to be further solidifying their alliance, indicating a shared strategy in confronting Western influence and strengthening their respective defense capabilities.
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