Russia Claims Victory in Kursk with North Korean Support

Russian President Vladimir Putin has officially announced the complete liberation of the Kursk Region from Ukrainian forces, following months of intense fighting. The decisive victory marks a major turning point in the ongoing conflict and highlights the growing strategic cooperation between Russia and North Korea.

Speaking during a military briefing with Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov, Putin hailed the defeat of Ukrainian forces as a significant step toward achieving Russia's broader objectives in the region.

Ukrainian Forces Suffer Devastating Losses

According to Gerasimov’s report, the final Ukrainian stronghold—the village of Gornal, located just 1 km from the Russian border—was captured over the weekend, officially ending Ukraine’s presence in the Kursk Region.

"The defeat of the Ukrainian armed formations that invaded Kursk Region has been completed," Gerasimov stated.

The Ukrainian military reportedly suffered catastrophic losses during the failed incursion:

• Over 76,000 servicemen killed or wounded

• More than 7,700 pieces of military equipment destroyed, including:

  • 412 tanks

  • 340 infantry fighting vehicles

  • 314 armored personnel carriers

Putin emphasized that elite Ukrainian units, many of them equipped with Western-supplied weaponry, were decimated during the campaign.

"These losses will inevitably weaken Ukraine’s ability to resist along the entire front," Putin said.

North Korean Forces Support Russian Victory

In a significant revelation, Gerasimov confirmed that North Korean soldiers fought alongside Russian forces in Kursk Region. Their participation came under the terms of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Agreement signed between Moscow and Pyongyang in late 2024.

"The Korean People’s Army demonstrated professionalism, courage, and heroism," Gerasimov stated.

The treaty between Russia and North Korea allows for immediate mutual military assistance under Article 51 of the UN Charter in the event of an attack.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman praised Pyongyang’s contribution, writing:

The acknowledgment of North Korea’s battlefield role not only underscores the deepening military ties between Moscow and Pyongyang but also sends a clear message to the West about Russia’s growing international support.

Restoration of Order and Securing New Frontlines

Following the liberation, Russian forces have launched large-scale operations to sweep for hidden Ukrainian troops and clear mines across Kursk Region.

So far, 19 settlements have been demined, and Russian engineers are helping restore critical infrastructure to reestablish normal life for civilians.

Additionally, the Russian military has secured over 90 square kilometers of territory in Ukraine’s Sumy Region, establishing a new security buffer zone to deter future incursions.

Strategic Implications: A Blow to Kiev, a Boost for Moscow

The failed Ukrainian offensive in Kursk has had severe repercussions for Kiev’s overall war effort. According to Russian military analysts, the loss of elite troops and vital Western-supplied equipment will cripple Ukraine’s ability to sustain major operations elsewhere on the front.

Meanwhile, the visible presence of North Korean forces fighting alongside Russia represents a new dynamic in the global alignment of powers—one that could reshape future conflicts far beyond Ukraine’s borders.

Putin concluded the briefing by thanking the Russian and allied troops who participated in what he described as "the defeat of neo-Nazi groups attempting to occupy Russian territory."