North Korea confirms that it deployed forces to support Russia’s war with Ukraine

North Korea confirmed for the first time on Monday that it had sent forces to fight for Russia in the war with Ukraine under the command of leader Kim Jong Un, and made an important contribution to the liberation of Russian territory occupied by Ukraine.

The victorious end of the battle for the liberation of the Russian Cursk region showed “the highest strategic level of militant friendship” between North Korea and Russia, and the KCNA news agency cited the ruling party in the north as saying.

Russia said last week that the Ukrainian forces were expelled from the last Russian village they kept, although Kiev denied the demand and said that its forces were still operating in Beljorod, another Russian region on the borders of Ukraine.

The Central Military Committee of the ruling Labor Party in the north said that leader Kim Jong Un made a decision to deploy forces under the comprehensive strategic partnership treaty he signed with Russian President Vladimir Putin last year.

“Under the command of the head of state, the sub -units of the armed forces of the Republic considered the territory of Russia one of their country and proved that the fixed alliance between the two countries,” KCNA referred to the saying.

Watch | 2 The North Korean soldiers were arrested, interrogated in Kyiv, Ukraine says:

2 North Korean soldiers were arrested in Kyiv, says Ukraine

Ukraine released a short video saying that from two North Korean soldiers being interrogated in Kiev after they were transferred as a war prisoner in Kursk, Russia.

“Those who fought for justice are all heroes and representatives of the motherland’s honor,” government news agency quoted Kim as saying.

Kcna said North Korea “considers it an honor to have an alliance with a strong country like the Russian Federation.”

Ukrainian officials said North Korea sent a total of 14,000 soldiers, including 3,000 reinforcements, to replace its losses. They lack armored vehicles and drone warfare, they took severe losses but quickly adapted.

Russia confirmed on Saturday for the first time that the North Korean soldiers were fighting alongside the Russians in Corsak. Russia or North Korea had neither confirmed or denied publication in the past.