North Korea says its troops are fighting for Russia in Ukraine

North Korea has officially acknowledged it deployed troops to support Russia’s war against Ukraine, calling it a demonstration of its firm alliance with Moscow.

North Korea has confirmed for the first time that it has deployed troops to fight alongside Russia in the war against Ukraine, under the direct order of leader Kim Jong Un.

The announcement comes after Russia claimed last week that Ukrainian forces had been expelled from the last village they held in Russian territory — a claim Kyiv has denied, insisting its troops are still operating in Belgorod, another Russian region bordering Ukraine.

North Korea’s ruling Workers' Party said Kim made the decision to send troops under the comprehensive strategic partnership treaty he signed with Russian President Vladimir Putin last year. The Central Military Commission stated that North Korean forces regarded Russian territory as their own and said their deployment proved the "firm alliance" between the two countries.

The Workers' Party added that regaining control of the Kursk region demonstrated the "highest strategic level of firm militant friendship" between Pyongyang and Moscow.

Russia also confirmed that North Korean soldiers have been fighting alongside its forces in Kursk, after months of refusing to confirm or deny their involvement.

Ukrainian officials estimate that North Korea has sent around 14,000 troops, including 3,000 reinforcements to replace losses. Although initially lacking armored vehicles and drone warfare experience, North Korean forces reportedly adapted quickly despite suffering heavy casualties.

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