The Russian Ministry of Defense has released a video showing combat training of soldiers from the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) who participated in battles in the Kursk region of Russia.
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The footage reinforces growing reports about North Korea’s direct involvement in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
Until now, both Moscow and Pyongyang had avoided officially commenting on the presence of North Korean troops on Russian territory. However, for the first time, both countries have publicly acknowledged that North Korean soldiers are fighting alongside Russian forces against Ukraine.
During a meeting with President Vladimir Putin on Saturday, the Chief of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces, Valery Gerasimov, formally thanked the North Korean troops.
“I would like to especially highlight the participation of the military personnel of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea in the liberation of the border areas of the Kursk region,” Gerasimov stated.
Previous reports had already indicated that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un had sent thousands of elite soldiers to support Russian ground operations, particularly in the Kursk region. Nevertheless, Russia and North Korea had remained silent on the matter despite mounting evidence.
The official acknowledgment marks a new phase in military cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang, amid escalating fighting on the eastern front of the war.
Source and images: Russian Ministry of Defense / Kremlin / Telegram @izvestia. This content was created with the assistance of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
