Russian President Vladimir Putin has acknowledged the involvement of North Korean troops in the conflict over Ukraine, saying they fought with “honor and valor” to help Russia push Ukrainian forces out of the Kursk region. In a statement posted on the Kremlin website, Putin praised the North Korean soldiers as “heroic” and said they will be remembered for their bravery.
North Korea’s Central Military Commission confirmed that its troops took part in the Russian operation to eject Ukrainian units from Kursk. The commission lauded the North Korean units for their “performing heroic feats” in the operations to repulse and frustrate Ukraine’s sovereignty infringement.
Putin also praised top Russian commander Valery Gerasimov, who said Russia had fully liberated Kursk after months of intensifying assaults on remaining Ukrainian positions. Gerasimov credited the North Korean troops with “significant assistance.”
The North Korean committee reported that at least 10,000 troops were involved in the fighting in Kursk, and their involvement was confirmed by various countries including the US, Ukraine, and South Korea. However, estimates of casualties vary widely, ranging from 4,000 to 5,000 deaths or injuries.
The incident marks a rare acknowledgment of North Korean involvement in a foreign conflict. It also highlights the military cooperation between Russia and North Korea.
Source: https://abcnews.go.com/International/putin-north-korean-friends-helped-russia-push-ukraine/story?id=121229750