In a major geopolitical development, Russia has officially confirmed and praised the involvement of North Korean troops in its ongoing military conflict with Ukraine, particularly highlighting their role in the liberation of the Kursk Region. Chief of the Russian General Staff, Valery Gerasimov, publicly lauded the “resilience and heroism” displayed by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) servicemen during operations against Ukrainian forces, a statement made during a televised report to President Vladimir Putin on April 26.

This rare acknowledgment not only sheds light on the deepening military cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang but also signals a significant evolution in the nature of international alliances amid the prolonged Ukraine conflict.

Gerasimov revealed that North Korean soldiers fought “shoulder to shoulder” with Russian forces in Kursk Region, displaying what he described as extraordinary resilience and professionalism. Their efforts contributed directly to what Moscow has framed as a major operational success: the full expulsion of Ukrainian troops from the strategic border region.

“The DPRK military, acting shoulder to shoulder with the Russian military in Kursk Region, showed resilience and heroism,” Gerasimov emphasized during his briefing to Putin. He reported that during Ukraine’s unsuccessful incursion, which began in August of last year, Ukrainian forces suffered more than 76,000 casualties, including both killed and wounded.

The Russian General Staff Chief added that operations are still underway to locate any Ukrainian remnants hiding in the liberated areas, and that extensive mine-clearing........

© Blitz