Kim Jong Un Justifies North Korea’s Role in the Russia-Ukraine Conflict
Kim Jong Un has said that North Korea’s military involvement in the Russia-Ukraine war is justified, viewing it as a defense of allied interests. He indicated possible military actions against the U.S. if provocations continue. Reports reveal North Korea sent over 10,000 troops to Russia, facing significant losses in confrontations with Ukrainian forces.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un recently declared his nation’s involvement in the Russia-Ukraine conflict as a justified exercise of sovereign rights, a move that he insists protects a “brother nation.” According to state-run media KCNA, Kim characterized the military cooperation with Russia positively, stating, “Our participation in the conflict was just, and it falls within the sovereign rights of our Republic.”
Highlighting the valor of North Korean troops, Kim referred to those involved in what he termed the “Kursk operation” as the nation’s heroes, emphasizing their heroic deed as vital for national honor. Furthermore, he expressed readiness to utilize military force if the United States continues its military provocations against Russia, reflecting an aggressive stance in the already tense geopolitical landscape.
Until recently, North Korea had not publicly confirmed sending military personnel and equipment to Russia, but reports indicate that more than 10,000 troops were dispatched just last month. This escalates the already strong military partnership solidified by a strategic treaty between Kim Jong Un and Russian President Vladimir Putin established in the previous year.
As the situation unfolds, there have been reported casualties among North Korean forces. Ukrainian military sources noted that around 30 North Korean soldiers were either killed or injured in skirmishes with the Ukrainian army near the Kursk region last December. Additionally, reports from the Ukraine military intelligence agency suggest that North Korean troops were reportedly “withdrawn” in February due to significant losses, pointing to a challenging situation for these troops on the ground.
Ukrainian military official Oleksandr Kindratenko stated their forces had not observed any further activities or confrontations with North Korean soldiers, hinting that heavy losses might have led to their withdrawal from combat operations. Disturbing accounts emerged that injured North Korean troops resorted to self-destruction rather than being captured, highlighting the dire circumstances they found themselves in.
Moreover, reports indicate that at least three North Korean servicemen are unaccounted for in another locality within the Kursk region, amidst Russia’s ongoing attempts to suppress a Ukrainian incursion. The White House has weighed in, asserting that North Korean forces are actively participating in frontline operations against Ukraine, raising concerns about the escalating nature of the conflict involving multiple nations.
In summary, Kim Jong Un’s remarks reflect North Korea’s justifications for its military involvement in the Russia-Ukraine war, casting it as a sovereign right to support an allied nation. Despite heavy losses, North Korea has stepped up its military support for Russia, raising alarming questions about the future of the ongoing conflict. Monitoring the developments in this scenario will be critical as geopolitical tensions continue to rise.
Original Source: www.abc.net.au
