North Korea has confirmed for the first time that it has deployed troops to Russia, describing this move as an extension of their strategic partnership. The troops participated in military operations aimed at countering Ukraine’s actions in the Kursk region. Kim Jong-un announced plans for a monument to honor their service.
In a significant development, North Korea has publicly confirmed the deployment of troops to Russia for the first time, a move it characterized as an enhancement of its strategic partnership with Moscow. This revelation emerged on Monday through a report by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), following a written statement from the Central Military Commission of the Workers’ Party, issued to state media the day prior.
The statement underlined that this troop deployment aligns with the provisions and principles of the comprehensive strategic partnership treaty between the two nations. North Korea described the deployment as the “most faithful and practical expression” of its commitment to this alliance, emphasizing a joint military effort against what it termed Ukraine’s “adventurous invasion” of Russia.
Specifically, the Central Military Commission noted that North Korean units took part in operations aimed at liberating the Kursk area. It stated that these military maneuvers were conducted under the directives of leader Kim Jong-un, highlighting his pivotal role in the decision-making process.
In a key assertion, the commission indicated that Kim had activated Article 4 of the partnership treaty in response to what was deemed a critical situation on the battlefield. Following this assessment, he ordered the deployment of troops, ensuring that the Russian government was promptly notified.
Additionally, North Korea referred to the dispatched forces as “representatives of the nation’s honor.” Kim pledged to honor their contributions by erecting a monument in Pyongyang to celebrate their military achievements and to ensure that floral tributes would be placed at the graves of any fallen soldiers.
The timing of this statement coincides with Russia’s announcement on Saturday, confirming that, backed by North Korean forces, it had regained control over the Kursk border region.
In summary, North Korea’s acknowledgment of sending troops to Russia represents a notable advancement in the relationship between the two nations. By framing the deployment as a fulfillment of their strategic partnership treaty and ordering military operations against Ukraine, Kim Jong-un emphasizes a commitment to collaboration that could alter regional dynamics significantly. The promise of memorialization for the troops further underscores the political and symbolic weight of this military partnership.
Original Source: koreajoongangdaily.joins.com
