Putin thanks North Korea for sending troops to fight Ukraine: ‘Will never forget the heroism’

Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed his gratitude towards North Korea for sending troops to fight alongside Russia in the ongoing war against Ukraine. In a statement issued on Monday, Putin vowed to never forget the sacrifices made by the North Korean soldiers who fought bravely alongside Russian forces.

The confirmation of North Korean troops being deployed to Russia came just hours before Putin’s statement. North Korea’s Central Military Commission revealed that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un had sent troops to assist Russia in reclaiming the Kursk region from Ukrainian forces. The commission stated that the North Korean troops played a crucial role in helping Russia seize the border territory.

This marks the first official confirmation of North Korean troops being deployed to Russia, although the country has previously expressed its unwavering support for Russia’s actions in Ukraine. Intelligence officials from the U.S., South Korea, and Ukraine estimate that North Korea deployed between 10,000-12,000 troops to Russia last fall, marking their first major involvement in armed conflict since the Korean War.

Putin and Kim Jong Un cited a mutual defense treaty signed in June 2024 as the basis for the deployment of North Korean troops to Russia. This treaty requires both countries to provide immediate military assistance in the event of an attack on either nation. The close relationship between Russia and North Korea has raised concerns among other countries, particularly regarding the potential transfer of high-tech weapons technologies to North Korea.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that Russia would be prepared to provide military assistance to North Korea if necessary under the terms of the defense treaty. However, the exact number of North Korean casualties in the conflict has not been disclosed, with South Korea estimating that approximately 4,000 soldiers were killed or wounded.

South Korea’s Unification Ministry has called for the immediate withdrawal of North Korean troops from Russia, labeling their involvement as a grave provocation to international security and an act against humanity. The ministry’s spokesperson emphasized the need for North Korea to cease its support of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

If Russia’s recapture of the Kursk region is confirmed, it could significantly impact negotiations between Ukraine and Russia to end the war. U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed doubts about Putin’s intentions to bring the conflict to a resolution, despite earlier statements suggesting progress towards a potential deal.

The deployment of North Korean troops in support of Russia’s actions in Ukraine has raised concerns about the implications for regional security and stability. As the conflict continues to unfold, the international community will be closely monitoring the situation and its potential impact on diplomatic efforts to resolve the crisis.