North Korea acknowledges military involvement in Ukraine, a significant shift amid rising speculation of a Kim-Putin summit. The deployment, authorized by Kim Jong-un, aims to repel Ukraine’s actions, according to state-run media. Vladimir Putin expresses gratitude and commitment to honor fallen Korean soldiers, who are to be commemorated in Pyongyang.
In a surprising turn of events, North Korea has officially acknowledged its military involvement in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, previously unacknowledged by both Moscow and Pyongyang until recent days. This statement made on Monday by the North Korean government claimed that the deployment of troops was executed at the behest of Kim Jong-un, as part of a mutual defense treaty with Russia. The North Korean state media, KCNA, conveyed that operations aimed at liberating the Kursk area from Ukrainian forces have been successfully concluded, emphasizing their role in opposing what they termed an “adventurous invasion” by Ukraine.
Vladimir Putin, in a statement from the Kremlin, conveyed his gratitude towards North Korea and its leader, Kim Jong-un, for their support. He expressed a commitment to honor those he referred to as “Korean heroes” who have fought alongside Russian forces for shared freedoms. This recognition underscores the strengthening ties between Pyongyang and Moscow amid the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Furthermore, Kim Jong-un announced plans to build a monument in Pyongyang to honor military personnel who lost their lives in the conflict. This initiative reflects North Korea’s intent to commemorate the fallen, with plans for floral tributes at their gravesites. This development signals an interesting shift in military alliances as North Korea finds itself increasingly aligned with Russia in its conflict with Ukraine, raising questions about future engagements and regional stability.
North Korea’s recent admission of military involvement in Ukraine, supported by statements from Kim Jong-un and Vladimir Putin, marks a significant moment in the ongoing geopolitical landscape. With plans to honor war casualties and a strengthened alliance between the two nations, this development not only sheds light on North Korea’s role in the conflict but also hints at future collaborations between Pyongyang and Moscow as the war continues to unfold.
Original Source: www.scmp.com
