North Korea Confirms Troop Deployment to Russia Amid Ongoing Conflict with Ukraine
North Korea confirmed that it has sent 14,000 troops to aid Russia in the Ukraine conflict, citing a strong military alliance with Russia under Kim Jong-un’s orders. Both countries claim mutual benefits from this relationship, even as Ukrainian officials contest Russian claims of territorial expulsion.
North Korea has officially acknowledged deploying forces to support Russia in its ongoing conflict with Ukraine, marking a significant development in their military alliance. On Monday, North Korea’s state news agency, KCNA, reported that under the directive of leader Kim Jong-un, troops have been sent to assist in what they describe as a liberation of territories previously occupied by Ukrainian forces.
The information emerged following Russia’s claims last week that Ukrainian forces had been completely expelled from a village in the Kursk region of Russia. However, Kyiv contested this assertion, stating that their operations continue in Belgorod, another Russian region that borders Ukraine.
According to the Central Military Commission of the Workers’ Party, the decision to send troops was made as part of a strategic partnership treaty signed between Kim Jong-un and Russian President Vladimir Putin last year. KCNA emphasized that the deployment demonstrated the strong alliance between the two countries, noting that North Korean forces consider Russian territory as their own.
In a statement, Kim Jong-un referred to these troops as “heroes” of their homeland for fighting on behalf of what they view as a just cause. He expressed pride in North Korea’s alliance with Russia, highlighting the strength of the relationship with a “powerful state.”
Reports from Ukrainian officials estimate that around 14,000 North Korean troops have been sent, including replacements for earlier troop losses. However, these forces have reportedly faced significant challenges due to their lack of armored vehicles and experience in drone warfare, leading to heavy casualties, despite their quick adaptation on the battlefield.
Interestingly, this is the first time Russia has confirmed the involvement of North Korean soldiers in the conflict, as both nations had previously refrained from officially addressing the deployment of troops until now.
The acknowledgment by North Korea of its troop deployment to support Russia underscores a deepening military relationship between the two nations amidst the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. With approximately 14,000 North Korean soldiers reported to be active in the region, their involvement highlights the lengths to which both countries are willing to go in pursuing their strategic objectives, despite challenges faced on the ground.
Original Source: www.cbc.ca
