North Korea Confirms Troops Fighting Alongside Russia in Ukraine Conflict
North Korea has officially confirmed troop deployment to Ukraine, supporting Russia. In a report, President Putin thanked North Korean soldiers for their contributions, framing their involvement as a historic partnership. Kim Jong-un describes this engagement as a means to reinforce ties. The collaboration includes North Korean troops training with Russian instructors, revealing deeper military cooperation.
In a significant development reported by the official North Korean daily, Rodong Sinmun, on April 29, North Korea has publicly acknowledged for the first time that its troops are engaged in military operations alongside Russian forces in Ukraine. This groundbreaking report relays a message from Russian President Vladimir Putin, who expressed gratitude towards the soldiers of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, stating, “the Russian people will never forget the feat of the Korean special forces fighters” who have “given their lives for Russia, for our common freedom.”
This strategic admission aligns well with North Korea’s ambitions to bolster its military cooperation with Russia. The report claims that North Korea has deployed between 11,000 and 15,000 troops to Ukraine, an action it asserts is consistent with international law and the strategic partnership treaty signed with Russia in June 2024. North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has framed this troop deployment as a “sacred mission aimed at strengthening friendship and solidarity” between the two nations.
In related news from Moscow, state television has shown footage of North Korean soldiers participating in training exercises with Russian instructors. These personnel were seen in Russian uniforms, armed with Russian weaponry, including the latest version of the AK-12 assault rifle, underscoring the deepening military ties between North Korea and Russia. This kind of military collaboration raises several questions about the future implications for international relations in the region.
The implications of North Korea’s troop deployment cannot be understated. The Kremlin appears to welcome this military support amid ongoing conflicts. Moreover, North Korea’s commitment to align itself more closely with Russia could shift the dynamics in the broader geopolitical landscape. Observers are keenly watching how this partnership evolves amid global concerns about military aggression and international law breaches.
The recent acknowledgment from North Korea regarding its military participation alongside Russian troops in Ukraine marks a new chapter in their bilateral relationship. This deployment, framed as a joint mission of solidarity, hints at a strengthening military alliance that other nations will closely monitor. Issues around international law and geopolitical stability loom large, raising important questions about future repercussions in the region and beyond.
Original Source: www.lemonde.fr
