North Korean leader Kim Jong Un expressed high praise for his nation’s military personnel currently deployed in Russia’s conflict within Ukraine. This commendation occurred during a meeting with officers from the army’s overseas operations. The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported that Kim delivered “warm encouragement” to officials and troops stationed in Russia’s Kursk region, an area where Western intelligence agencies believe North Korea has sent over 10,000 fighters. In a speech to military members, Kim stated, “Ours is a heroic army… Our army is now doing what it ought to do and what needs to be done. It will do so in the future, too.” North Korea officially acknowledged its troop deployment to the front lines to fight alongside Russian forces in April, following a strategic partnership treaty signed in June of the previous year, which includes a mutual defense pact. Intelligence reports from South Korea and Western agencies estimate that Pyongyang sent over 10,000 soldiers to the Kursk region in 2024, along with artillery shells, missiles, and long-range rocket systems. Approximately 600 North Korean soldiers have reportedly been killed, with thousands more wounded in the fighting. Kim’s remarks come amid discussions regarding the end of the Russia-Ukraine war, with United States President Donald Trump holding talks with leaders from both countries.
