A North Korean military delegation has departed for Russia following Pyongyang's confirmation that its soldiers have participated in the ongoing war against Ukraine.

The delegation, led by Pak Yong-il, deputy director of the General Political Bureau of the Korean People's Army, left Pyongyang on Monday to attend the 3rd International "anti-fascist conference" being held in Russia, state media reported.

The conference is part of Russia's commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, which Moscow refers to as the "anti-fascism war." The timing of the delegation's visit is significant, coming one day after Pyongyang acknowledged its involvement in the conflict in Ukraine.

The Central Military Commission of the ruling Workers’ Party of Korea stated that North Korean combat sub-units had "performed heroic feats" in operations to defend Russian territory, particularly the Kursk region, which Ukraine had attempted to invade. Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed gratitude for North Korea's support in reclaiming Kursk, where the region was reportedly liberated in August 2024.

This marks the first official confirmation from Pyongyang and Moscow regarding North Korea’s military role in the Russia-Ukraine war, following months of speculation. The confirmation came after South Korea reported that North Korea had sent thousands of soldiers to assist Moscow, a claim that had previously been met with silence from both Pyongyang and Moscow.

The North Korean government emphasized the strong alliance between Pyongyang and Moscow, with its military units treating Russian territory as their own. Last year, North Korea and Russia signed a comprehensive strategic partnership agreement that includes military support in the event of third-party aggression.

The visit of the North Korean military delegation underscores the growing military cooperation between the two nations, with Russia offering military assistance to North Korea under their strategic partnership agreement. This development marks a significant shift in geopolitical alliances, as it is the first time in decades that an Asian nation has joined a conflict outside its region.

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