With over 10,000 soldiers deployed and a mutual defence pact with Moscow, Pyongyang’s growing involvement raises fresh alarms in global security circles. (Image Credits: CNN)
In a dramatic show of military solidarity, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has hailed the “heroic” troops of his country who are fighting alongside Russia in its war against Ukraine. The statement, carried by state media KCNA, underscores Pyongyang’s growing involvement in one of the world’s most dangerous conflicts.
During a meeting with officers of North Korea’s overseas operations, Kim praised the troops who led combat units in the battle for the Kursk region of Russia. “He highly appreciated their feats of leading the combat units of our armed forces, which participated in the operations to liberate the Kursk Region of the Russian Federation, to victory,” KCNA reported.
South Korea’s intelligence service has revealed that Pyongyang has already dispatched over 10,000 troops to the frontlines and may be preparing another deployment. This would mark one of the most significant foreign military contributions in support of Moscow since the war began.
The growing military ties are backed by a strategic partnership treaty signed last year between Kim Jong Un and Russian President Vladimir Putin. The agreement, which includes a mutual defence clause, cements their joint stance against the West and deepens their wartime alliance.
According to KCNA, Kim spoke directly with Putin over the phone ahead of the Russian leader’s much-anticipated meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump, once again reaffirming North Korea’s “full support” for Moscow.
In an unusually emotional gesture, Kim attended a solemn ceremony honoring North Korean soldiers killed in Ukraine. He personally covered coffins with flags and rested both hands on them, a rare moment of public grief from the usually reserved leader.
“Ours is a heroic army,” Kim declared. “Our army has fully demonstrated its unique qualities. Such a result has cemented its appellation and reputation as the most powerful army in the world.”
Also Read: Israel Begins Preliminary Actions for Ground Offensive in Gaza City Amid Rising Tensions
While Pyongyang celebrates its military role, Western analysts warn that North Korea’s involvement could escalate the conflict further the size of the troop deployment has alarmed U.S. and European officials, who worry that it would give Russia more confidence and drag out the conflict.
Seoul has also condemned the move, saying that North Korea is violating international norms by sending its troops abroad in active combat.
According to experts, Pyongyang might also be looking to Russia for economic assistance and military technologies in exchange for its backing.
The alignment of North Korea and Russia raises fresh questions about the balance of power in global geopolitics. Kim Jong Un has positioned his government as a crucial supporter of Putin and a direct enemy of Ukraine and its Western backers by publicly providing troops for Moscow's war.ime as a critical ally to Putin – and a direct adversary to Ukraine and its Western backers.
With reports of more deployments looming, the international community is left to wonder: how far will North Korea go in backing Russia’s war – and what will be the cost for global security?
