North Korea Defends Ties With Russia, Denies Involvement In Ukraine Conflict

North Korea on Thursday praised its alliance with Russia, calling it an “effective deterrent” against the United States and its allies. The statement comes amidst criticism from Washington and allied nations over deepening ties between Pyongyang and Moscow.

While North Korea avoided mentioning claims of its involvement in the Ukraine war or reports of heavy casualties among its troops in the Russian Kursk region, it condemned a joint statement from the US, nine other countries, and the European Union. The statement, issued on Monday, criticized the growing military cooperation between North Korea and Russia.

An unnamed North Korean foreign ministry spokesperson said the claims are a form of misrepresentation, with Pyongyang accusing the US and its allies of prolonging the conflict in Ukraine and destabilizing security in both Europe and the Asia-Pacific region.

“The current situation stems from the reckless actions of the US and the West, driven by their hegemonic and militaristic policies,” the statement said.

 

Reports of Troop and Weapons Support

US and South Korean officials have charged that North Korea has moved more than 10,000 troops to help Russia fight in the Ukraine war. Further, they assert Pyongyang has provided thousands of containers of military equipment that include artillery shells, anti-tank rockets, mechanized howitzers, and rocket launchers.

However, neither North Korea nor Russia has officially confirmed these reports. On Tuesday, Ukraine’s chief military officer said North Korean soldiers were fighting on the battlefield in the Kursk region, suffering heavy casualties.

 

Deeper Ties with Russia

Russian President Vladimir Putin visited Pyongyang in June, signing a “comprehensive strategic partnership” treaty with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. The treaty included a mutual defense treaty, further solidifying their military cooperation.

North Korea remains adamant in defending its relations with Russia as a counterbalance to Western influence and intervention, even under international scrutiny.