North Korea Acknowledges Involvement in Ukraine Conflict Amid Kim-Putin Ties

North Korea acknowledges its military involvement in Ukraine, citing a defense treaty with Russia. Kim Jong-un announced success in operations related to the conflict, prompting gratitude from Putin. Plans for a monument in Pyongyang to honor war casualties were also revealed.
On Monday, North Korea finally acknowledged its involvement in the ongoing Ukraine war, revealing that this move was ordered by Kim Jong-un. This announcement seems to follow the framework of a mutual defense treaty between North Korea and Russia, which had gone largely unrecognized until now.
According to the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), North Korean operations were declared a success. The report details that they completed missions aimed at liberating the Kursk area in response to what they described as an “adventurous invasion” by Ukrainian authorities.
In a concurrent statement, President Putin expressed his gratitude, honoring Kim and the North Korean troops who he claims fought alongside Russian forces for their shared freedom. This shows the developing dynamic between the two nations amidst the conflict.
Interestingly, Kim announced plans to erect a monument in Pyongyang to pay tribute to fallen soldiers. He highlighted the importance of recognizing the casualties of war by stating that flowers would be laid at the graves, thus marking a significant acknowledgment of their sacrifices.
In summary, North Korea has officially disclosed its involvement in the Ukraine conflict, citing a defense agreement with Russia. This admission, paired with Putin’s expressions of thanks, underscores a potentially deepening alliance between the two nations. The plans for a monument to honor fallen soldiers reflects a significant recognition of the ongoing sacrifices in this war.
Original Source: www.scmp.com