North Korea Confirms Sending Troops to Russia for Ukraine Conflict Support

Report By Safarti Tarjuman International Desk

North Korea has publicly acknowledged sending its troops to Russia to assist in Moscow’s ongoing conflict with Ukraine, confirming months of speculation. This official statement marks the first confirmation from Pyongyang regarding its military involvement in the war.

The North Korean government revealed that, under an existing defense pact with Russia, approximately 10,000 to 12,000 North Korean soldiers were deployed to support Russian forces in Ukraine. According to the statement released by North Korea’s Central Military Commission, the troops’ primary mission is to assist in Russian military operations, particularly in the region surrounding Kursk.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un explained that the mission aimed to help “eliminate the neo-Nazi forces of Ukraine” and secure the area in close cooperation with Russian forces. This move is seen as part of North Korea’s growing partnership with Russia, which has intensified in recent months.

The recent troop confirmation comes after months of closer ties between Russia and North Korea, with both nations seeking to counter Western influence. During a meeting in Pyongyang earlier this year, Kim Jong Un and Russian officials, including Security Council head Sergei Shoigu, reiterated their commitment to mutual defense and strategic partnership.

North Korea has also been supplying Russia with substantial quantities of conventional arms, which further cements the military alliance. However, this growing cooperation has raised concerns in the West, particularly over the potential transfer of advanced Russian technologies to North Korea, which could enhance Pyongyang’s missile and nuclear programs.