North Korea confirms for the first time it has sent troops to fight Russia in the Ukrainian War | North Korea

North Korea confirmed for the first time that it had sent troops to fight Russia in the war against Ukraine under the orders of leader Kim Jong-un.

The end of the battle in the Kursk region of Russia between North Korea and Russia shows that the “strategic highest” between North Korea and Russia.

Russia claimed last week that Ukrainian troops had been expelled from the last Russian village they held, although Kief denied that claim and said their troops were still operating in Belgorod, another Russian region bordering Ukraine.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Sunday that Ukrainian troops were still fighting in Russia's Kursk despite Moscow's claims of “liberation” of its western region. “Our army continues to carry out missions in the Kursk and Bergorod regions – we are maintaining our presence on Russian territory,” he said in an evening speech, acknowledging in a statement earlier on Sunday that situations remain difficult in many areas, including Kursk.

The Central Military Commission of the ruling Workers' Party in the North said Kim decided to deploy North Korean troops under the comprehensive strategic partnership treaty he signed with Putin in 2024.

“Under the order of the head of state, sub-units of the Republic’s armed forces regarded Russian territory as one of its countries and demonstrated a coalition of companies between the two countries,” KCNA quoted the committee as saying.

“Those who fight for justice are heroes and representatives of the honor of the motherland,” KCNA quoted Kim as saying.

North Korea “sees it as an honor to align with a country like the Russian Federation,” KCNA said.

Ukrainian officials said North Korea has sent an estimated 14,000 soldiers in total, including 3,000 reinforcements to replace its losses. Lack of experience in armored vehicles and drone warfare, they caused heavy casualties, but quickly adapted.

Russia first confirmed on Saturday that North Korean soldiers fought with the Kursk Russians. Neither Russia nor North Korea have confirmed or denied the deployment before.

The U.S. State Department said North Korea is concerned about its direct involvement in Russia's war in Ukraine, and Pyongyang's military deployment for Russia must end.

A State Department spokesman said in an email: “We continue to participate directly in the war (of North Korea).

With Reuters