For the first time, Russian President Vladimir Putin has openly acknowledged that North Korean forces are assisting Russian troops in the ongoing war against Ukraine. This marks a significant and controversial shift in international military alliances, with the Kremlin confirming direct North Korean involvement in the conflict.
Speaking from Moscow earlier today, Putin expressed gratitude toward the North Korean soldiers, commending their “courage and unwavering commitment.” He stated that they stood “shoulder to shoulder” with Russian forces to defend the Kursk region, describing their efforts as defending Russia “as if it were their own homeland.”
This official statement follows recent reports from Russian military sources claiming they have regained full control over the Kursk region—territory that had been briefly occupied by Ukrainian troops after a surprise offensive last year. However, Ukrainian officials have strongly denied these claims, insisting that fighting in the region is ongoing.
Putin’s announcement ends months of speculation and repeated denials about North Korea’s involvement. According to intelligence from the U.S., South Korea, and Ukraine, an estimated 10,000 to 12,000 North Korean soldiers were quietly sent to Russia in late 2024. This deployment reportedly came under a mutual defense agreement signed between Putin and Kim Jong-un in June 2024.
The treaty, seen as the most significant pact between Moscow and Pyongyang since the Cold War, obligates both nations to provide immediate military assistance to one another in the event of an attack. North Korea’s Central Military Commission confirmed today that the deployment was made under the terms of this agreement.
While some in Russia have praised the North Korean troops for their determination, others have raised concerns over their battlefield behavior and effectiveness. In one widely shared incident from January, North Korean soldiers were reportedly seen evicting elderly Russians from their homes in the Kursk region, using the properties as cover from Ukrainian drone strikes. These actions caused outrage and confusion, particularly as reports of friendly fire incidents involving North Korean troops began to surface. One confirmed case involved North Korean soldiers mistakenly attacking a group of Russian allies, allegedly due to translation issues and poor coordination.
Casualties among the North Korean units are reported to be high. By mid-January, as many as 10% of the deployed soldiers were believed to have been killed, with outdated combat strategies and a lack of proper support cited as key reasons for the losses.
Experts warn that North Korea’s involvement could lead to broader consequences. Some analysts believe Pyongyang may be receiving economic aid and advanced military technology from Moscow in exchange for its support—an arrangement that could escalate tensions and further destabilize the region.
If Russia’s claims of fully reclaiming the Kursk region are verified, it could significantly affect ongoing diplomatic efforts to bring an end to the war. With Ukraine potentially losing leverage over captured territory, prospects for negotiated peace may become more distant than ever.
