North Korea officially acknowledged for the first time on Monday that its military forces made significant contributions to Russia’s efforts to reclaim territory in the Kursk region.
The Workers’ Party’s official newspaper, Rodong Sinmun, disclosed the contents of a written statement sent by the party’s Central Military Commission to Rodong Sinmun and the Korean Central News Agency on Sunday.
North Korea stated that its military units, which participated in the liberation operation of the Kursk region under orders from the Supreme Leader, demonstrated high combat spirit and military prowess, exhibiting mass heroism, unparalleled bravery, and sacrifice, and making significant contributions to defeating Ukrainian neo-Nazi forces and liberating Russian Federation territory.
The statement characterized the operation as a victory of justice over injustice and a new chapter in history, showcasing the solid combat friendship between North Korea and Russia, as well as the highest level of strategic alliance and brotherhood between the two nations’ peoples.
Regarding the deployment’s background, North Korea explained that Kim Jong Un, the General Secretary of the Workers’ Party, determined the situation warranted invoking Article 4 of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Agreement between North Korea and Russia. Based on this assessment, North Korea decided to deploy troops and notified Russia, which then issued the participation order. However, specific details about the timing and scale of the deployment were not provided.
North Korea also claimed that this military activity fully complies with the United Nations Charter, international law, and the provisions and spirit of the North Korea-Russia treaty.
The statement mentioned that participating soldiers proved the solid alliance between the two countries through combat actions involving sacrifice, and recording legendary feats. It also noted that some North Korean soldiers died during the operation.
North Korea continued that it considers it an honor to have an alliance with a powerful nation like the Russian Federation, and that it is pleased that its military units’ participation has further strengthened the combat ties between the two countries and contributed to Russia’s special military operations.
The statement concluded that North Korea is confident the indomitable combat friendship, forged in blood and battle, will greatly contribute to expanding friendly cooperation between the two countries in all areas and that it will continue to fully support the Russian military and people’s efforts, pledging to remain committed to any actions based on the spirit of their bilateral treaty.
Earlier, on Saturday, Russia also officially acknowledged for the first time that it received support from North Korean troops in reclaiming territory in the Kursk region.