April 28, 2025 | 05:36 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - North Korea has confirmed for the first time that it sent troops to Russia to support the war against Ukraine. The North Korean army contributed to the recapture of Ukrainian military-controlled Russian territory in the Kursk region.
In a statement given to the official North Korean news agency, the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), on Monday, April 28, 2025, the ruling Workers' Party Central Military Commission stated that the country's leader, Kim Jong Un, had sent troops to the battlefield. The North Korean army fought alongside Russian forces as part of a joint defense agreement between Moscow and Pyongyang.
KCNA quoted Kim as saying that the troops were deployed to sweep away the neo-Nazi Ukrainian colonizers. The North Korean army was also deployed to liberate the Kursk region in cooperation with the Russian armed forces.
“They who fought for justice are all heroes and representatives of the honour of the motherland,” KCNA quoted Kim Jong Un's statement, as reported by Al Jazeera.
According to KCNA, North Korea considers it an honor to ally with powerful countries like the Russian Federation.
Following Pyongyang's confirmation, Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed gratitude to Kim Jong Un. Putin stated that North Korea, referred to as a friend, had acted based on solidarity, justice, and true friendship.
Putin and Kim Jong Un signed a comprehensive strategic partnership agreement last June. The agreement binds both countries to assist each other militarily in the event of a war.
Ukrainian officials earlier this year said that around 14,000 North Korean soldiers were deployed for the combat. This number includes 3,000 support units to replace early North Korean casualties on the battlefield.
Editor's Choice: CIA Official's Son Reportedly Killed Fighting for Russia in Ukraine
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Russia Sends Emergency Aircraft to Iran After Port Blast
7 jam lalu
Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered several emergency aircraft to be sent to Iran to assist in dealing with the explosion at the Shahid Rajaee Port.
CIA Official's Son Reportedly Killed Fighting for Russia in Ukraine
2 hari lalu
The son of CIA Deputy Director Julianne Gallina was killed while fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine.
Trump Accuses Ukraine's Zelensky of Harmful Statements on Russia Talks
3 hari lalu
Trump criticizes Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for refusing to cede territory to Russia.
Indonesia, Estonia Call for Ukraine Peace Talks
3 hari lalu
Indonesia and Estonia have agreed to support a peaceful resolution in Ukraine through inclusive diplomacy.
Ramzan Kadyrov's 17-Year-Old Son Appointed Chechnya's Security Council Secretary
4 hari lalu
Ramzan Kadyrov's son has previously served as his personal bodyguard, a trustee at the Chechen Special Forces University, and a battalion observer.
Why Are People Buying More Gold Despite Soaring Prices? Researcher Explains
5 hari lalu
Gold prices have surged, but demand remains high as people view it as a safe investment amid global uncertainty and low interest rates.
World Reacts to Pope Francis' Death
6 hari lalu
The death of Pope Francis has prompted an outpouring of condolences from global leaders and institutions, who praised his legacy of humility.
UN Urges Permanent Ceasefire Between Russia, Ukraine
7 hari lalu
The United Nations (UN) has responded to Russia's announcement of a temporary ceasefire during Easter in Ukraine.
Ukraine's Zelensky Accuses Putin of Violating 30-Hour Easter Ceasefire
7 hari lalu
Just a few hours after Putin announced 30-hour Easter ceasefire, Zelensky accused Russian forces of continuing to attack them.
Putin Announces 30-Hour Easter Ceasefire with Ukraine
8 hari lalu
Ukraine was also open to extending a truce beyond April 20, apparently alluding to an earlier United States proposal for a 30-day ceasefire.
