North Korea confirms for the first time that it has deployed troops to Russia, citing its strategic partnership with Moscow. The deployment aligns with treaty provisions and was under the orders of Kim Jong-un, as they are involved in military operations in the Kursk region against Ukraine. Russia reported regaining control of the area with North Korean support.
On Monday, North Korea made a significant announcement by confirming its deployment of troops to Russia, something they had not officially admitted before. This information was relayed through the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), which reported that the Central Military Commission of the Workers’ Party had conveyed this in a written statement to state media over the weekend.
The deployment, according to North Korea, aligns with the comprehensive strategic partnership treaty established with Moscow and is presented as a sincere commitment to uphold the treaty’s principles. In a rather bold claim, the Central Military Commission stated that these troops actively participated in military actions aimed at what they termed “liberating the Kursk area,” asserting that they successfully countered Ukraine’s alleged aggressive actions against Russia.
This involvement of North Korean troops was said to occur under the directive of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, who deemed that the ongoing battlefield circumstances warranted the invocation of Article 4 of the partnership treaty. In light of this assessment, Kim ordered the military deployment and communicated this decision to Russian authorities, as outlined in the statement.
Moreover, Kim Jong-un referred to the soldiers sent to Russia as “representatives of the nation’s honor,” expressing his intent to commemorate their contributions with a monument in Pyongyang. Reports indicate that he also mentioned plans for eternal tributes in honor of any fallen soldiers from this deployment.
In a related development, Russia announced on Saturday that it had completely regained control of the Kursk border region, asserting that North Korean support was instrumental in this endeavor. This cooperation underscores a deepening partnership between the two nations, raising questions about the future of their alliances in the context of ongoing geopolitical tensions.
As these developments unfold, they suggest an increasingly complex relationship between North Korea, Russia, and its neighboring countries, particularly in light of the ongoing conflict involving Ukraine.
This information was retrieved from the JoongAng Ilbo and subsequently translated and edited by the Korea JoongAng Daily team.
In summary, North Korea’s public acknowledgment of troop deployment to Russia marks a notable shift in its diplomatic posture. This move is framed as part of an ongoing strategic partnership with Moscow, responding to regional military tensions and further solidifying ties. The implications of this action for both nations and their engagement in conflicts like the one involving Ukraine are likely to resonate in international circles.
Original Source: koreajoongangdaily.joins.com
