Putin Acknowledges North Korean Troop Support in Ukraine Conflict

Russian President Putin thanked North Korea for troop deployment to aid the war in Ukraine. He praised their sacrifices and highlighted mutual military cooperation. North Korea confirmed its troop involvement, stating it was part of a plan to assist Russia in reclaiming territories. South Korea expressed concerns over this move, calling it a severe threat to global security.

On Monday, Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed his gratitude towards North Korea for sending troops to assist in the war against Ukraine. His comments followed an announcement from North Korea, which confirmed the deployment of its troops for the first time. This development comes amid claims from Russia that it has reclaimed control of the Kursk region, a territory that had previously been taken by Ukrainian forces. However, Ukrainian military officials dispute this assertion, insisting that operations are still ongoing in certain areas within Kursk.

Putin remarked that the North Korean soldiers fought “shoulder to shoulder with Russian fighters” and defended the homeland as if it were their own. He emphasized that the Russian populace will not forget the bravery of the North Korean special forces, vowing to honor the sacrifices made by these troops. This shows the depth of cooperation forming between Russia and North Korea amidst escalating conflicts.

Earlier on the same day, North Korea’s Central Military Commission announced that its leader, Kim Jong Un, had ordered troops to assist Russia in what they described as an effort to “annihilate and wipe out” Ukrainian fighters. The statement further claimed that North Korean forces made significant contributions to Russia regaining control of the Kursk region.

While this marks the first official acknowledgement of military deployment, North Korea has long signaled its staunch support for Russia’s actions in Ukraine. Reports from U.S., South Korean, and Ukrainian intelligence indicate that approximately 10,000 to 12,000 North Korean troops were dispatched to Russia last fall, marking the North’s first return to major military engagement since the Korean War.

The deployment was said to be in compliance with a mutual defense agreement established in June 2024, obligating both nations to provide military support under attack. The proximity between the two nations appears to deepen, illustrated by North Korea’s substantial supply of conventional arms to Russia. There are apprehensions from both South Korea and the U.S. with respect to potential reciprocation, concerning high-tech military advancements aimed at enhancing North Korea’s nuclear capabilities.

Kim’s emphasis on North Korea’s involvement in the Russian efforts to reclaim Kursk may suggest a strategic aim for enhanced military and security relations with Russia. Analyst Moon Seong Mook noted that Kim is likely seeking sensitive military technology and strong commitments from Russia in the defense realm.

In a related statement, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov pointed out that military aid could be extended to North Korea under the mutual defense treaty, as stated by Russian media.

Details about the exact number of North Korean soldiers sent or any casualties incurred during the conflict remain unclear. However, assessments from South Korea’s military last month indicated a toll of around 4,000 North Korean soldiers who have either been killed or wounded. Additionally, South Korea remarked that around 3,000 additional troops had been dispatched to Russia this year.

South Korea’s Unification Ministry has urged North Korea to withdraw its involvement, branding the support of Russia’s invasion as a serious threat to global security. This position underscores the increasing tensions surrounding the conflict.

Should Russia’s claims about regaining control over Kursk be substantiated, Ukraine could lose vital leverage in potential negotiations aimed at bringing an end to the war, which entailed trading captured territories for land occupied by Russia.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has voiced skepticism about Putin’s commitment to peace, suggesting that he does not genuinely desire to bring the conflict to a close, despite prior suggestions that negotiations between the two countries may soon occur.

In summary, President Putin’s acknowledgment of North Korean troop assistance solidifies an emerging alliance that raises various global security concerns. While both nations have expressed mutual support through military collaboration, the implications of North Korea’s involvement in the Ukraine conflict remain troubling. The potential loss of Ukrainian territorial leverage and continued military exchanges between Russia and North Korea emphasize the complexities of international relations at play.

Original Source: www.foxnews.com