North Korea Confirms Troops Fighting for Russia in Ukraine

North Korea has officially confirmed it has deployed troops to support Russia’s military operations in Ukraine, marking a major escalation in Pyongyang’s direct involvement in the conflict, South Korea’s Yonhap news agency reported on Sunday.

According to North Korea’s state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), soldiers were sent to Russia under orders from leader Kim Jong-un following the signing of a mutual defense pact with Moscow.

The KCNA claimed that North Korean forces helped Russian troops “liberate” the Kursk region from Ukrainian control. “The operations for liberating the Kursk area to repel the adventurous invasion of the Russian Federation by the Ukrainian authorities were victoriously concluded,” the statement said.

North Korea said it decided to invoke the terms of its new comprehensive strategic partnership treaty with Russia, signed during President Vladimir Putin’s visit to Pyongyang in June 2024. Under the pact, both nations pledged mutual military assistance in the event of conflict.

KCNA described the deployment as fully compliant with the United Nations Charter and international law, calling it “a model example” of faithful international cooperation.

Kim praised the North Korean soldiers involved, describing their participation as “a sacred mission to further consolidate” ties with Russia and “defend the honor” of the nation. He said a monument honoring the fallen would soon be erected in Pyongyang.

This is the first time North Korea has publicly admitted to casualties among its deployed forces, after months of reports suggesting that thousands of North Korean soldiers have been fighting — and dying — in Russia.

North Korea’s announcement follows recent confirmation by Russia’s top military officer, General Valery Gerasimov, who acknowledged North Korean involvement during a video conference with Putin, commending their role in the retaking of Kursk.

South Korean intelligence estimates that more than 10,000 North Korean troops have been sent to the Russian frontlines since October 2024, with an additional 3,000 deployed to Kursk earlier this year. In January, Ukrainian forces captured two North Korean soldiers alive, further revealing Pyongyang’s participation.

The closer military ties between North Korea and Russia come as both nations face heavy international sanctions and increasing diplomatic isolation. Reports suggest Moscow has provided North Korea with substantial economic aid in exchange for military support, with analysts estimating Pyongyang has gained over $20 billion through defense cooperation.

KCNA said the “invincible” friendship between North Korea and Russia, proven “in the flames of combat,” would further deepen future cooperation.