Russia Admits North Korean Troops are Fighting in Ukraine War
Russia has for the first time acknowledged that North Korean troops are actively participating in the Ukraine conflict, with Chief of Staff Valery Gerasimov praising their efforts. Russian President Vladimir Putin was briefed on military successes in the Kursk region. Ukrainian officials vehemently denied claims of a liberated region, while U.S. President Trump discusses a potential ceasefire with Ukraine’s President Zelenskyy.
In a groundbreaking turn of events, Russia announced that North Korean troops are actively participating in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. This declaration marks the first time Russia has publicly acknowledged the involvement of North Korean forces. During a briefing on the recent military achievements in the Kursk region, Chief of the General Staff, Valery Gerasimov, mentioned their contribution to the war, highlighting their supposed professionalism in combat alongside Russian soldiers.
Gerasimov reported to President Vladimir Putin that the Kursk region had been completely liberated from Ukrainian forces, specifically referencing the village of Gornal. This statement contradicts previous claims from Russian officials that suggested areas of the Kursk region had been seized by Ukrainian forces in August 2024, a point that Kyiv continues to refute.
Gerasimov was quoted by TASS, mentioning the commendable actions of the Korean People’s Army during operations against Ukrainian troops. Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Maria Zakharova, also expressed gratitude towards North Korea, stating that Russia would not forget its allies in the DPRK. Earlier analyses indicated that the U.S. and South Korea estimated over 11,000 North Korean troops had been sent to Ukraine since the previous October, following a partnership agreement between Putin and Kim Jong-un in June.
In response, Ukrainian officials dismissed Russia’s assertions regarding the resolution of the conflict in the Kursk region. Ukraine’s General Staff firmly stated that fighting continues and that their forces are effectively engaging with Russian units, maintaining positions while utilizing various weaponry.
This announcement from Russia coincides with heightened diplomatic efforts for peace, as U.S. President Donald Trump seeks to mediate the situation. Trump recently met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Vatican City on the occasion of a funeral for the pope, discussing the possibility of a ceasefire. While Trump has been critical of Ukraine’s actions historically, he expressed skepticism about Putin’s commitment to ending the war.
Despite previously placing blame on Ukraine for the protracted conflict, Trump reframed his rhetoric post-meeting, condemning the continued Russian attacks on civilian areas. He noted on TruthSocial that the death toll is escalating and questioned Putin’s sincerity in pursuing peace, suggesting the need for alternative measures such as “secondary sanctions.”
In summary, this is a significant moment in the Ukraine conflict as Russia acknowledges North Korean troop involvement for the first time. The reaction from Ukrainian officials indicates ongoing tensions, as they dispute claims of liberated territory. President Trump’s diplomatic efforts provide a backdrop to escalating military operations and highlight the complex dynamics of this multifaceted conflict. The situation remains fluid, with the potential for further developments as global powers navigate this war’s challenging landscape.
Original Source: www.timesnownews.com
