North Korea has confirmed the deployment of troops to Russia to assist in the Ukraine conflict, marking the first official acknowledgment of such actions. Previously estimated troop numbers were around 10,000-12,000, according to intelligence reports. Leader Kim Jong Un stated that the deployment is part of a mutual defense treaty aimed at defeating Ukrainian forces.
In an unprecedented move, North Korea has confirmed that it has sent troops to Russia to aid in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. This development marks the first official acknowledgment from Pyongyang regarding the deployment of its forces abroad. Intelligence reports from U.S., South Korean, and Ukrainian sources last fall suggested that North Korea dispatched between 10,000 and 12,000 troops to Russia, although the North had refrained from confirming this until now.
The announcement came via North Korea’s state-run news outlet, the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). Reports indicate that Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un made the decision to deploy combat troops under a mutual defense treaty with Russia. Notably, Kim described the objective of this troop movement as an effort to “annihilate and wipe out the Ukrainian neo-Nazi occupiers and liberate the Kursk area,” in line with long-standing military cooperation with Russia.
This confirmation is significant given the geopolitical implications of the latest development. As North Korea aligns more closely with Russia amidst the war in Ukraine, analysts speculate about the possible ramifications for regional stability and international relations. The collaboration suggests a strengthening of ties between Pyongyang and Moscow, which could complicate the existing dynamics of the conflict.
In conclusion, North Korea’s acknowledgment of troop deployment to Russia represents a notable shift in its foreign policy strategy. Under Kim Jong Un’s directive, this move aligns with North Korea’s commitment to mutual defense with Russia while aiming to impact the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. This development poses important questions about the future of Northeast Asian security and the intricate relationships at play amid global tensions.
Original Source: wsvn.com
