North Korea has confirmed that it sent troops to assist Russia in its ongoing war against Ukraine, marking the first time Pyongyang has officially acknowledged its military involvement in the conflict.
North Korea deployed approximately 14,000 North Korean troops to assist Russia in reclaiming the Kursk region, which had been occupied by Ukrainian forces. North Korean forces reportedly suffered significant casualties in the conflict, with estimates ranging from 1,200 to 4,000 killed or wounded due to their lack of experience with modern warfare, particularly drone operations. However, they adapted quickly and played a key role in pushing Ukrainian troops out of the Kursk region.
The troops were deployed under a mutual defense treaty signed between Russia and North Korea in 2024, according to North Korea’s Central Military Commission. Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed his gratitude to North Korea for its support, emphasizing the strong sense of comradeship between the two nations.
