According to a message made by the Korean Central Press Agency, the decision to send troops was taken by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un himself. The Communication stressed that soldiers fighting in the Russian Kursk region were acting under a comprehensive strategical partnership treaty that Kim signed with Vladimir Putin in June 2024.
"At the command of the head of state, sub-units of the Republic's armed forces treated Russia's territory as their own and proved a lasting alliance between the 2 countries," said KCNA, quoted by the British "The Guardian".
North Korean authorities have identified the participation of their troops as the "highest strategical expression of a steadfast combat friendship" between Pyongyang and Moscow.
Kim Jong Un made a deal with Putin
As we read, Kim Jong Un besides paid tribute to North Korean soldiers fighting in Russia. "Those who fought for justice are heroes and represent the honour of their homeland" – quotes the words of Korean leader "The Guardian". North Korean authorities besides announced the construction of a monument in Pyongyang, commemorating their soldiers' "war deeds" and peculiar support for veteran families.
So far both Russia and North Korea have been silent about this. According to data provided by Ukraine, North Korea was to send in about 14,000 soldiers, including 3,000 as a complement to losses in the Russian army. According to U.S. estimates, about 1,200 North Korean soldiers were killed or injured.
North Korea supports Russia with arms and soldiers
In the opinion of the Guardian, military support from Pjongjangu covers not only people, but besides immense supplies of ammunition, artillery missiles, ballistic missiles and another military equipment. Experts fear that Russia can repay North Korea by passing on satellite and military technology to aid make the North Korean rocket and atomic program.
The US authorities expressed concern about North Korea's engagement in the war. U.S. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller stated, "Sending troops to Russia and any support provided by the Russian North Korean Federation must be terminated immediately," quotes The Guardian.
According to analysts citing the British Journal, Moscow and Pyongyang most likely agreed to uncover the participation of soldiers. "Both countries found that the benefits of revealing participation outweigh the possible harm to their global image," said prof. Yang Moo-jin of the University of North Korea Studies in Seoul, AFP agency
The expert besides added that Pyongyang wants to show that "the triumph was besides achieved thanks to their participation", which is intended to increase Moscow's expectations of prizes for aid in war.
