During a meeting with army officials involved in overseas operations, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un lauded the contributions of North Korean troops participating in Russia’s war in Ukraine. KCNA reported that Kim extended “warm encouragement” to the officials and soldiers serving in Russia’s Kursk region. Western intelligence sources believe that Pyongyang has deployed over 10,000 fighters to this area. Kim, in a speech to military members, emphasized the heroic nature of the army, stating that it is performing its duties and will continue to do so. This praise comes after North Korea’s confirmation in April of its deployment of soldiers to fight alongside Russian forces. This followed the strategic partnership treaty signed by Kim and Russian President Vladimir Putin in June of the previous year, which included a mutual defense pact. Intelligence from South Korea and the West indicates that North Korea sent over 10,000 soldiers to the Kursk region in 2024, along with substantial supplies of weaponry, including artillery and missiles. According to Seoul, approximately 600 North Korean soldiers have been killed, and thousands more wounded while fighting for Russia. The comments from Kim come at a time when the United States President Donald Trump is seeking to mediate an end to the Russia-Ukraine war, engaging in talks with both countries’ leaders.
