North Korea has officially confirmed for the first time that it deployed troops to assist Russian forces in the ongoing war against Ukraine.
In a report published by the state-run KCNA news agency, Pyongyang’s military stated that its soldiers contributed to the “complete liberation” of the Kursk border region, acting under the directive of leader Kim Jong Un.
The announcement follows recent remarks by Russian Chief of Staff Valery Gerasimov, who publicly praised the “heroism” of North Korean troops, marking the first acknowledgment from Moscow of their involvement.
Western intelligence sources had previously informed the BBC that about 11,000 North Korean troops were deployed to Kursk last year, and that at least 1,000 had been killed over a three-month period.
While Gerasimov claims that Moscow has now fully regained control of the western Kursk region, Ukraine continues to deny these assertions.
Responding to North Korea’s statement, the United States warned that Pyongyang must now take responsibility for helping to prolong the conflict.
KCNA further explained that the decision to send troops was made under the terms of a mutual defense treaty between North Korea and Russia.
According to the agency, “They who fought for justice are all heroes and representatives of the honour of the motherland,” quoting Kim Jong Un.
KCNA emphasized that the battles in Kursk demonstrated North Korea and Russia’s “alliance and brotherhood,” and noted that the “friendship proven by blood” would “greatly contribute to expanding the relationship in every way.”
The report also stated that North Korea is prepared to support the Russian military again if needed.
However, it remains unclear what the future holds for the North Korean soldiers after their mission in Kursk concludes, including whether they will be repatriated.
Initial reports about North Korean troop deployments surfaced in October last year, following closer ties between Kim Jong Un and Vladimir Putin.
This deepening relationship included a pact where both leaders agreed to back each other if either faced “aggression.”
Military experts have raised concerns about the deployment, noting the inadequacy of the North Korean soldiers for modern warfare.
Col Hamish de Bretton-Gordon, a former British Army tank commander, remarked earlier this year: “These are barely trained troops led by Russian officers who they don’t understand.”
Despite these limitations, Ukraine’s top military commander Gen Oleksandr Syrskyi had warned that the North Korean forces were still creating significant challenges at the front.
“They are numerous. An additional 11,000-12,000 highly motivated and well-prepared soldiers who are conducting offensive actions. They operate based on Soviet tactics. They rely on their numbers,” he told Ukraine’s TSN Tyzhden news programme.
