SEOUL, South Korea (AP) - North Korea confirmed on Monday that it has sent troops to Russia in support of its war against Ukraine, marking the first acknowledgment of such a deployment and the North's involvement in a significant conflict since the Korean War (1950-1953). The North's military stated that the troops were sent to assist Russia in reclaiming the Kursk region, which Ukrainian forces had captured during a surprise attack last year.
According to U.S., South Korean, and Ukrainian intelligence reports, North Korea dispatched approximately 10,000 to 12,000 troops to Russia in the fall of 2023. This confirmation comes just two days after Russian officials claimed that their forces had fully regained control of the Kursk region, a claim Ukraine has denied.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un made the decision to send combat troops to Russia under a mutual defense agreement signed with Russian President Vladimir Putin in June 2024. This treaty represents the most significant military agreement between the two nations since the end of the Cold War, emphasizing mutual military assistance should either country be attacked.
In a statement published by state media, Kim referred to the deployment as a mission to "annihilate and wipe out the Ukrainian neo-Nazi occupiers" and liberate the Kursk area alongside Russian forces. Kim declared those who fought for justice as "heroes" and announced plans to erect a monument in Pyongyang to honor North Korea's military achievements, including support for the families of fallen soldiers.
While the North Korean announcement did not specify the total number of troops sent or casualties incurred, South Korean military estimates from March indicated that around 4,000 North Korean soldiers had been killed or wounded in the ongoing conflict. Additionally, it was reported that North Korea had sent about 3,000 more troops to Russia earlier this year.
North Korean soldiers, although highly disciplined and well-trained, are perceived as vulnerable on the battlefield due to their lack of combat experience and unfamiliarity with the region's terrain. Nonetheless, Ukrainian military and intelligence officials have noted that North Korean forces have gained valuable battlefield experience and have played a significant role in Russia's strategy, particularly in the battle for Kursk.
In response to this act, South Korea's Unification Ministry called on North Korea to withdraw its troops from Russia immediately, deeming the North's support for Russia's invasion of Ukraine a serious provocation to international security. Ministry spokesperson Koo Byoungsam described the deployment as "an act against humanity," accusing the North of sacrificing its young soldiers for its governmental objectives.
During a meeting with President Vladimir Putin, Chief of the General Staff of Russia's Armed Forces, Valery Gerasimov, confirmed the involvement of North Korean soldiers during the conflict and praised their professionalism, courage, and heroism in battle. Contrary to Russian claims, Ukraine's military maintains that defensive operations in certain areas of Kursk are ongoing.
If Russia's claims regarding the recapture of Kursk are validated, it could undermine Ukraine's negotiating position in efforts to exchange territory for peace in the ongoing war. Recently, former U.S. President Donald Trump met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Vatican City amidst discussions for a potential ceasefire, expressing doubts about Putin's willingness to conclude the conflict.
As the military cooperation between North Korea and Russia deepens, North Korea is reportedly supplying ample conventional weapons to Russia. Concerns from South Korea, the U.S., and allied nations persist regarding the possibility of Russia providing North Korea with advanced weapons technologies, potentially enhancing its nuclear capabilities. It is anticipated that North Korea will also receive economic support and other forms of assistance from Russia.
