North Korea Troops Confirmed in Ukraine Conflict
**In a landmark revelation, North Korea has for the first time confirmed its military involvement in Russia’s conflict against Ukraine.** Both Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un publicly acknowledged this significant development, marking a rare instance of collaboration between the two nations on the battlefield. On April 26 and April 28, 2025, officials from each country revealed that units of the Korean People’s Army (KPA) actively participated alongside Russian forces in military operations in the Kursk region.
This confirmation follows months of widespread denial from Russian authorities about North Korean troops’ involvement. The announcement comes in the wake of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Agreement signed by both leaders in June 2024, which entails provisions for mutual military assistance. This agreement has now taken a tangible form, indicating a deeper military collaboration between North Korea and Russia.
Details of Military Cooperation
In his statements, Putin expressed appreciation for the operational contributions of the North Korean military, highlighting their integration with Russian forces during the Kursk operations. Russian Armed Forces Chief of Staff Valery Gerasimov elaborated on the involvement, stating that North Korean troops fought under Article 4 of their partnership agreement, which mandates urgent military support during conflicts. Gerasimov characterized the North Korean forces as both “professional and disciplined,” asserting their effectiveness in combat alongside prestigious Russian units.
Notably, during the Kursk operation, Ukrainian forces reportedly suffered significant losses, with over 76,000 personnel and 7,700 pieces of equipment lost. The operation officially concluded on April 26, 2025, further underscoring the intense military engagement between the two nations.
Future Developments in Bilateral Relations
On the diplomatic front, reports from the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs suggest a general expansion of bilateral relations, with a potential highlight being North Korea’s participation in the upcoming Victory Day Parade set for May 9, 2025. While these preparations have yet to receive official confirmation, discussions surrounding this issue are reportedly ongoing.
Within North Korea, the leadership framed the deployment of troops as a fulfillment of their treaty obligations under the newly signed agreement with Russia. The Central Military Commission of the Workers’ Party of Korea publicly confirmed their participation, noting that Kim Jong-un personally ordered the deployment upon evaluating the regional situation.
North Korea’s Response to the Conflict
Moreover, North Korean authorities took the opportunity to criticize Ukraine for alleged violence against civilians during the conflict. They framed their military engagement in Ukraine as both a strategic necessity and a moral imperative to protect civilians from attacks.
To honor their troops’ contributions, North Korea has announced plans to construct a monument in Pyongyang and to hold memorial events for those lost in battle. This initiative aims not only to commemorate the sacrificed lives but also to solidify the narrative of their military’s pivotal role in achieving operational goals during the conflict.
Ongoing Military Assistance
Additionally, reports suggest that North Korea intends to enhance their military support for Russia in the context of their partnership agreement. Sources within North Korea have claimed that their military engagement has effectively curtailed Ukrainian presence in certain areas of Kursk, positioning them as key allies in the ongoing conflict.
In an intriguing development, it has been noted that Russia is currently utilizing North Korean-manufactured drones, with reports of North Korea’s inaugural HIK aircraft spotted in operation. This collaboration signifies a strengthening of military ties, as both nations explore new avenues for cooperation amid ongoing hostilities.
