North Korea has confirmed it has deployed troops to support Russia in its war against Ukraine, escalating its military alliance with Moscow.

The statement, released by North Korea's state-run KCNA news agency, marks the first official acknowledgment of Pyongyang’s direct involvement in the conflict.

According to KCNA, North Korean forces, acting under orders from leader Kim Jong Un, assisted Russian troops in "completely liberating" Russia’s western Kursk region. The claim aligns with recent remarks from Russia’s Chief of General Staff, Valery Gerasimov, who praised the "heroism" of North Korean soldiers and declared Kursk fully under Russian control—a claim disputed by Ukrainian officials.

Western intelligence estimates suggest around 11,000 North Korean troops have been deployed, with at least 1,000 killed over the past three months. The United States condemned the move, stating that North Korea must now be held accountable for prolonging the war.

The deployment stems from a mutual defense treaty signed between Pyongyang and Moscow, with Kim Jong Un calling the soldiers "heroes" and emphasizing the "alliance and brotherhood" forged through shared combat. KCNA vowed continued support for Russia, noting that the partnership would strengthen bilateral ties.

Speculation about North Korean involvement began in October 2024, following a security accord between Kim Jong Un and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Military analysts warn that North Korean troops, including the elite "Storm Corps," may be ill-equipped for modern warfare’s complexities.

Details on the future of North Korean forces in Kursk, including potential repatriation, remain unclear. The deployment signals a bold new phase in North Korea–Russia relations, as both nations deepen ties amid global isolation. (ILKHA)