In a historic acknowledgment, North Korea has revealed the deployment of its troops to assist Russia in the ongoing conflict with Ukraine, marking a significant escalation in their military cooperation.
North Korea Acknowledges Troop Deployment in Support of Russia in Ukraine Conflict

North Korea Acknowledges Troop Deployment in Support of Russia in Ukraine Conflict
Kim Jong-un announces monument for North Korean soldiers who died fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine.
North Korea’s leader, Kim Jong-un, has ordered the erection of a monument in honor of North Korean soldiers who have died fighting for Russia in the war against Ukraine. This announcement, made by state media on Monday, represents the first official confirmation of North Korea's military involvement in the European conflict.
Kim's decision to send troops to support Russia last year is framed by the Central Military Commission of the ruling Workers’ Party as a move that opened “a new chapter of history,” revealing a profound alliance between the two nations. The statement underscored the “highest strategic level of the firm militant friendship,” suggesting a deepened military partnership aimed at countering Western influence.
Valery Gerasimov, chief military commander for Russia, acknowledged the contributions of North Korean troops, commending their “fortitude and heroism.” He noted their significant role in what he termed the “complete liberation” of the Kursk border region, a statement that also marks Russia's first recognition of North Korea's military support.
Reports estimate that up to 4,000 North Korean troops have either been killed or wounded while assisting Russian forces in operations aimed at reclaiming territories once held by Ukraine. In a solemn tribute, Kim mentioned plans for a monument to honor these soldiers, emphasizing their “heroism and bravery” as delivered through state-run media outlets.
“A monument to the battle feats will be soon erected in our capital city, and flowers for the immortality of our fallen soldiers will be placed before their tombstones,” Kim stated during an address reported by the North’s official Korean Central News Agency.
As North Korea emphasizes this military partnership with Russia, the implications for the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the broader geopolitical landscape continue to evolve, raising concerns over an increasing international militarization in response to the war’s demands.
Kim's decision to send troops to support Russia last year is framed by the Central Military Commission of the ruling Workers’ Party as a move that opened “a new chapter of history,” revealing a profound alliance between the two nations. The statement underscored the “highest strategic level of the firm militant friendship,” suggesting a deepened military partnership aimed at countering Western influence.
Valery Gerasimov, chief military commander for Russia, acknowledged the contributions of North Korean troops, commending their “fortitude and heroism.” He noted their significant role in what he termed the “complete liberation” of the Kursk border region, a statement that also marks Russia's first recognition of North Korea's military support.
Reports estimate that up to 4,000 North Korean troops have either been killed or wounded while assisting Russian forces in operations aimed at reclaiming territories once held by Ukraine. In a solemn tribute, Kim mentioned plans for a monument to honor these soldiers, emphasizing their “heroism and bravery” as delivered through state-run media outlets.
“A monument to the battle feats will be soon erected in our capital city, and flowers for the immortality of our fallen soldiers will be placed before their tombstones,” Kim stated during an address reported by the North’s official Korean Central News Agency.
As North Korea emphasizes this military partnership with Russia, the implications for the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the broader geopolitical landscape continue to evolve, raising concerns over an increasing international militarization in response to the war’s demands.