Russian soldiers wounded in Ukraine are receiving treatment in North Korea, according to ambassador Matsegora. The countries’ relations have strengthened significantly against Western alliances, encompassing military and humanitarian exchanges. Recent developments include free medical care for wounded soldiers and provisions for the families of deceased servicemen, alongside deepening military cooperation.
Russian soldiers wounded in the Ukraine conflict receive medical care and rehabilitation in North Korea. This information was disclosed by Alexander Matsegora, Russia’s ambassador to the nation, during an interview with Rossiyskaya Gazeta on February 9. In recent years, North Korea and Russia have intensified their partnership, aligning geopolitically against Western influences, which poses challenges to global stability.
In the autumn of 2024, both countries solidified their alliance by ratifying a strategic partnership agreement that emphasizes cooperation across trade, science, technology, and military domains. Notably, the agreement does not specifically address the arrangements for treating injured Russian servicemen. Matsegora confirmed that North Korean facilities provide free treatment in high-quality hospitals and sanatoriums for these soldiers.
The ambassador disclosed that “hundreds” of wounded soldiers have been sent to North Korea for care. He recounted an incident in which an offer to reimburse North Korea for the medical expenses was met with offense, leading North Korean officials to request that such offers not be made again.
Furthermore, Matsegora noted that children of Russian personnel who have lost their lives in Ukraine are provided opportunities for vacations in North Korea. There are also initiatives underway for student exchanges between universities of both nations. Additionally, Russia supplies North Korea with essential commodities, including coal, food, and medical supplies.
Military collaboration between Moscow and Pyongyang expanded in 2024, highlighted by President Vladimir Putin’s signing of a mutual defense pact with Kim Jong-un in June. Subsequently, North Korea enhanced its assistance by supplying arms, including artillery ammunition and ballistic missiles, and even deployed North Korean troops. Notably, up to 12,000 North Korean soldiers were stationed in Russia’s Kursk Oblast in response to concerns over Ukrainian incursions in the region.
In summary, Russian soldiers injured in the Ukraine conflict are receiving rehabilitation in North Korean facilities, as confirmed by Ambassador Matsegora. This situation demonstrates the strengthening ties between Russia and North Korea amid their geopolitical cooperation against Western countries. The exchange encompasses not only military support but also humanitarian initiatives for families of servicemen.
Original Source: kyivindependent.com
