North Korea has finally confirmed that its troops are fighting for Russia in the war with Ukraine under the orders of leader Kim Jong-un.
North Korea’s KCNA state news agency cited the ruling party as saying on Sunday, that the end of the battle in Russia’s Kursk region showed the “highest strategic level of the firm militant friendship”; between North Korea and Russia.
The Central Military Commission of the North’s ruling Workers’ party said the President decided to send troops under the comprehensive strategic partnership treaty he signed with Putin in 2024.
“Under the order of the head of state, the sub-units of the armed forces of the Republic regarded the territory of Russia as the one of their country and proved the firm alliance between the two countries,”; KCNA cited the commission as saying.
“They who fought for justice are all heroes and representatives of the honour of the motherland,”; KCNA quoted Kim as saying.
North Korea “regards it as an honour to have an alliance with such a powerful state as the Russian Federation,”; KCNA said.
Ukranian officials have recently announced that North Korea sent an estimated total of 14,000 troops, including 3,000 reinforcements to replace its losses.
It added that the troops from North Korea lacked armoured vehicles and drone warfare experience and for this reason recorded heavy casualties but have adapted quickly.
Recall that Russia had earlier on Saturday, confirmed for the first time that North Korean soldiers have been fighting alongside Russians in Kursk.
Meanwhile, the US State Department said it was concerned by North Korea’s direct involvement in Russia’s war in Ukraine.
“We continue to be concerned by (North Korea’s) direct involvement in the war. (North Korea’s) military deployment to Russia and any support provided by the Russian Federation to (North Korea) in return must end,”; a State Department spokesperson said in an email, adding third countries like North Korea “bear responsibility”; for the war.
