April 28, 2025 — For the first time, Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong-un have publicly confirmed that North Korean soldiers have been deployed to fight for Russia in the ongoing Ukraine war. The two leaders described the North Korean troops as “heroes” and emphasized their contributions to Russia’s efforts in recapturing the Kursk region from Ukrainian forces.
North Korean Troops Deployed to Russia’s Kursk Region
Putin expressed gratitude for the “heroism” of the Korean special forces, stating that Russia would honor the fallen soldiers who fought “for Russia and for our shared freedom.” The acknowledgment from both Russia and North Korea comes after months of speculation and reports from Western media about North Korea’s involvement. The Kremlin also confirmed its readiness to offer support to North Korea, similar to the assistance provided to its troops in Kursk.
The Kursk region is one of several Russian territories where Moscow claimed success in expelling Ukrainian forces. However, Kyiv has denied these claims, asserting that Ukrainian troops continue to operate in both Kursk and the Belgorod region.
North Korea’s Military Contribution
Kim Jong-un, who authorized the deployment as part of a comprehensive strategic partnership with Russia, emphasized the strength of the two nations’ alliance. In a statement from North Korea’s KCNA, Kim referred to the soldiers as “heroes” and announced plans to build a monument in Pyongyang to honor the fallen troops. North Korean military sources estimated that up to 14,000 soldiers were deployed, including 3,000 reinforcements after heavy casualties.
Despite lacking advanced weaponry, such as armored vehicles and experience in drone warfare, the North Korean troops quickly adapted but faced significant losses. Ukrainian officials reported thousands of casualties among the North Korean soldiers, estimating that around 4,000 were either killed or wounded during the fighting.
International Reactions and Concerns
The involvement of North Korea in the Ukraine war has sparked global concerns. The U.S. State Department condemned Pyongyang’s direct participation, urging the termination of both the military deployment and any further support exchanges between Russia and North Korea. This move has raised fears about the military technologies that could be transferred to North Korea in exchange for their support, potentially advancing the country’s nuclear missile program.
At the same time, South Korea, the U.S., and their allies worry that Russia might reward North Korea with high-tech weapons technology, which could benefit Pyongyang’s nuclear capabilities.
Strategic Military Alliance Between Russia and North Korea
Experts believe that Russia and North Korea may have strategically agreed to publicly disclose the deployment, with both nations weighing the benefits of compensating the soldiers against potential diplomatic backlash. Yang Moo-jin, an expert at the University of North Korean Studies in Seoul, noted that North Korea may use this announcement to secure greater rewards from Russia and showcase its contributions to the war effort.
Kim Jong-un’s remarks, alongside the recognition of North Korean soldiers, indicate a deepening military and political alliance between the two nations. This partnership could have significant implications for Russia’s international standing and North Korea’s aspirations in global geopolitics.
