Pyongyang: In a historic admission, North Korea has confirmed that its troops assisted Russia in reclaiming Ukrainian-held territory in the Kursk region. On Monday, April 28, the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported that, under orders from leader Kim Jong Un, soldiers were deployed as part of a mutual defense pact with Moscow. Quoting the military commission, KCNA stated, “Our forces treated Russian soil as our own, proving the unbreakable alliance between the two nations.” This revelation has sparked global concern, intensifying tensions in the Ukraine conflict.

South Korean intelligence estimates that approximately 14,000 North Korean troops have been sent to fight alongside Russian forces against Ukraine. On Saturday, Russia publicly acknowledged for the first time that North Korean soldiers are engaged in combat in Kursk. Moscow claimed it has fully regained control of the region, a statement Ukraine refuted, asserting its forces remain active in Russia’s neighboring Belgorod region. Russian Chief of Staff Valery Gerasimov praised the “bravery” of North Korean troops, highlighting their role in recent operations.

The development has alarmed the international community. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned, “North Korea’s military presence poses a threat to global peace.” He claimed nearly 4,000 North Korean soldiers have been killed or injured. Analysts suggest this military collaboration is a strategic move by Russia and North Korea to counter the trilateral security cooperation of the United States, South Korea, and Japan. The deepening alliance raises questions about the broader implications for regional stability.

Kim Jong Un announced plans to erect a monument in Pyongyang to honor the soldiers fighting in Ukraine, underscoring the significance of this partnership. The deployment not only highlights the strengthening Russia-North Korea ties but also signals the Ukraine war’s escalating global ramifications. As the conflict evolves, this unprecedented military cooperation is likely to reshape geopolitical dynamics, drawing sharp attention from world leaders and policymakers.