Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed his gratitude to North Korea for its support in liberating the Kursk Region from Ukrainian forces. The operation, which concluded on April 26, marked a significant moment in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Putin extended his personal thanks to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, the entire North Korean leadership, and the Korean People’s Army for their role in the operation.
Putin praised the North Korean forces, emphasizing that their involvement was driven by a sense of “solidarity, justice, and genuine comradery.” He highlighted their heroism, excellent training, and unwavering dedication as they fought alongside Russian soldiers. The Russian president lauded the North Korean soldiers for fulfilling their duty with “honor and valor,” noting that their contributions would be remembered as part of Russia’s ongoing efforts to defend its territory.
The assistance from North Korea in the liberation of the Kursk Region came as part of a broader military cooperation agreement between the two nations. In his report to Putin, General Valery Gerasimov, the Chief of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces, underscored the importance of North Korean forces in neutralizing Ukrainian military units in the region. This collaboration is a testament to the growing strategic partnership between Russia and North Korea, which was formalized through a comprehensive agreement that includes provisions for mutual military support in the event of an armed attack.
This partnership, underpinned by a shared commitment to defense and mutual support, has now expanded to include joint military operations. Article 4 of the agreement stipulates that if one party is attacked, the other will provide immediate military and other forms of assistance. The completion of the Kursk Region operation underscores the increasingly close ties between Moscow and Pyongyang as they continue to collaborate on military and strategic matters.
This development also signals a broader geopolitical shift as North Korea’s involvement in the conflict marks a deepening of its alignment with Russia amidst ongoing tensions with the West.
