Dadunation, Pyongyang –North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has officially announced the deployment of military forces to support Russia in its ongoing armed conflict with Ukraine. This decision follows the signing of a comprehensive strategic partnership agreement between Pyongyang and Moscow.

According to a report published by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on April 28, North Korea's military involvement is aimed at assisting in the “elimination of neo-Nazi forces” and liberating the Russian-administered border region of Kursk, located near Ukraine.

Kim Jong Un described the mission as a sacred duty, emphasizing that it serves to strengthen the friendship and solidarity between North Korea and Russia. He asserted that the deployment aligns with the United Nations Charter, international law, and the terms of North Korea’s bilateral agreement with Russia.

To honor the fallen soldiers, Kim announced the construction of a memorial in Pyongyang to commemorate their bravery. He also pledged long-term support for the families of those who took part in the military operation.

“Our nation must forever cherish the spirit of those who gave their lives to uphold the honor of our country,” Kim stated.

Rumors of North Korea's participation in the conflict began circulating in late 2024. A senior Ukrainian military official told Reuters that approximately 11,000 North Korean troops had arrived in Kursk to bolster Russian forces.

On April 26, Russia confirmed for the first time that North Korean troops were actively engaged in combat in the area. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky claimed that North Korean ballistic missiles were used in a strike that hit a residential building in Kyiv on April 24.

“If confirmed that the missile originated from North Korea, it would further expose the criminal nature of the alliance between Moscow and Pyongyang,” Zelensky said in a post on X, as reported by Reuters on April 28.

A Ukrainian defense official estimated that North Korea has deployed a total of 14,000 troops, including 4,000 reinforcements to replace fallen soldiers. The official noted that many North Korean troops have been killed due to a lack of armored protection and combat experience, particularly in drone warfare.

On April 24, Ukrainian Special Operations Forces reported the elimination of a unit comprising 25 North Korean soldiers in Kursk.