North Korea confirms troop deployment to support Russia
North Korea has officially confirmed for the first time that it sent troops to support Russia in the war with Ukraine. This decision was reportedly made based on a defence treaty with Moscow, as reported by the South Korean Yonhap agency. Previously, Pyongyang had denied that North Korean soldiers were participating in the conflict against Ukraine.
Reports indicate that the decision to deploy troops was made by North Korea's Central Military Commission under the orders of Kim Jong Un.
The deployment of soldiers occurred several months ago when thousands of North Korean troops were sent to Russia to fight on the front in the Kursk region.
In the fall, Ukrainian intelligence estimated that the number of North Korean soldiers fighting on Russia's side could exceed 10,000. At that time, Pyongyang's representation at the UN called this information "groundless rumours."
The day before, the Kremlin also officially confirmed for the first time the presence of North Korean soldiers within its army ranks.
Putin met with Kim: A significant treaty was signed
In June 2024, Vladimir Putin visited North Korea. It was the first visit by the Russian dictator to this country in 24 years. The Russian leader met with Kim Jong Un in Pyongyang and signed a comprehensive strategic partnership treaty.
The agreement includes a mutual defence clause under which both parties are to support each other in the event of external aggression. It was through this agreement that Kim's troops were to be in Russia.
The Russian dictator stated at that time that Russia does not rule out developing military-technical cooperation with North Korea as part of this agreement. Russian media reported that security and international affairs were significant parts of the meeting with Kim Jong Un.
Kim Jong Un supports Russia
In 2022, following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, relations between Moscow and Pyongyang tightened, mainly due to Western sanctions imposed on Moscow and Russia's attempts to bypass these restrictions.
The United States and South Korea accused Pyongyang authorities of supplying weapons to Russia for use during the war in Ukraine. Russia and North Korea rejected these accusations.
