Putin Thanks Kim for North Korean Troops, Celebrates Victory in Kursk
Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un have publicly lauded their military collaboration in retaking Russia’s Kursk region from Ukrainian forces, marking a significant milestone in their burgeoning alliance.
The coordinated statements, issued Monday, underscore the deepening military ties between Moscow and Pyongyang under a mutual defense treaty signed in June 2024.
A Historic Joint Operation
Russia’s Kremlin announced that its forces, alongside North Korean troops, fully reclaimed the Kursk region, which Ukrainian forces had seized in a surprise incursion last year.
Putin praised the North Korean soldiers, stating:
The Russian people will never forget the heroism of the DPRK special forces. We will always honor the heroes who gave their lives for Russia, for our common freedom, fighting side by side with their Russian brothers in arms.
Vladimir Putin, President of Russia.
North Korea’s Central Military Commission confirmed the deployment, with Kim Jong Un declaring that the troops were sent to:
The commission highlighted the troops’ “important contribution” to the operation, marking North Korea’s first official acknowledgment of its involvement in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Strategic Gains and Sacrifices
The operation in Kursk involved an estimated 14,000 North Korean troops, including 3,000 reinforcements sent earlier this year, according to South Korean intelligence.
While the troops demonstrated discipline, their lack of experience with modern warfare, particularly drone and artillery attacks, led to significant casualties.
South Korea’s military estimated around 4,000 North Korean soldiers were killed or wounded, though neither Russia nor North Korea provided official casualty figures.
Despite these losses, Russian military chief Valery Gerasimov praised the North Korean troops who “demonstrated high professionalism, showed fortitude, courage and heroism in battle.”
Ukrainian officials, however, disputed Russia’s claim of full control over Kursk, asserting that their operations in parts of the region continue.
Pyongyang’s Push for Recognition
Kim Jong Un announced plans to erect a monument in Pyongyang to commemorate the “battle feats” of North Korean soldiers, stating:
Flowers of praying for immortality given by the motherland and the people will be placed before the tombstones of the fallen soldiers.
Kim Jong Un, Supreme Leader of North Korea.
He also emphasized preferential treatment for the families of those who fought, signaling domestic efforts to honor the troops’ sacrifices and boost national unity.
Analysts suggest Kim’s public acknowledgment serves multiple purposes.
Moon Seong Mook, an analyst at the Korea Research Institute for National Strategy in Seoul, indicated that Kim is emphasizing North Korea’s military contribution to secure advanced military technologies and a stronger security commitment from Russia.
Kim Yeol Soo, an expert at South Korea’s Korea Institute for Military Affairs, added that the announcement doubles as propaganda to strengthen internal cohesion and may foreshadow Kim’s potential visit to Russia for Victory Day ceremonies on May 9.
A Strengthening Alliance
The mutual defense treaty, described as the most significant defense agreement between Russia and North Korea since the Cold War, obligates both nations to provide immediate military assistance if attacked.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov indicated Russia’s readiness to offer unspecified military support to North Korea if needed, reinforcing the pact’s reciprocal nature.
For North Korea, the deployment enhances its diplomatic leverage, particularly in negotiations with the United States.
The operation’s success strengthens Russia’s position in potential peace talks, potentially weakening Ukraine’s bargaining power.
President Donald Trump, who met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky recently, expressed skepticism about an imminent peace deal, noting Putin’s apparent reluctance to end the conflict.
International Condemnation
South Korea’s Unification Ministry condemned North Korea’s involvement, with spokesperson Koo Byoungsam calling the deployment “an act against humanity” and urging the immediate withdrawal of North Korean troops.
The ministry labeled the action a “grave provocation” to global security, reflecting broader concerns about the implications of Pyongyang’s military engagement.
Looking Ahead
While Russia’s claimed victory in Kursk could reduce the need for North Korean troops in that region, analysts like Moon Seong Mook believe Pyongyang is unlikely to withdraw its forces soon. Moon suggested that North Korea may continue supporting Russian operations in other regions in a more covert manner.
The continued presence of North Korean troops underscores the strategic alignment between Moscow and Pyongyang, with both nations poised to deepen their military and diplomatic ties in the face of international criticism.