Putin Thanks North Korean Support, Kim Jong Un: North Korea Will Continue to Back Russia Unwaveringly
Over the recent weekend, Russian State Duma Chairman Volodin, currently visiting North Korea, held talks with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
Volodin conveyed Putin’s gratitude for North Korea’s support during the Kursk campaign and delivered Putin’s warm wishes and greetings regarding bilateral relations.
Kim Jong Un reiterated that North Korea will continue to firmly support Russia without hesitation and highly praised the achievements of cooperation between the two countries in the Kursk campaign.
Since last summer, North Korea has secretly dispatched multi-branch forces to fight in Russia’s Kursk Oblast, including demining personnel, special operations soldiers, and logistical staff. According to analysis, the total number of troops involved exceeds 10,000.
This information was initially disclosed by Western allies of Ukraine and South Korea, but at first neither Russia nor North Korea offered a direct response. It was only later that both sides acknowledged the presence of North Korean soldiers fighting in Russia.
Subsequently, North Korean troops have been rotated back in batches, though the main force remains stationed there. Currently, possibly over ten thousand soldiers may still be deployed within Russian territory. During this period, North Korean forces have suffered casualties; Kim Jong Un personally welcomed the repatriated remains of fallen soldiers. According to a documentary released by North Korea, the youngest martyr was only 18 years old.
Many people struggle to understand why North Korea would voluntarily involve itself in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. To claim “if the lips are gone, the teeth will feel cold” seems somewhat far-fetched—after all, although Russia is struggling militarily, it is far from being completely depleted.
In reality, Kim Jong Un’s decision reflects significant strategic foresight. From an economic perspective, North Korea lacks food and energy resources—precisely what Russia can provide. Moreover, North Korea’s military assistance is not unconditional; Russia has provided compensation generously, if not more.
Militarily, the North Korean army needs real combat experience and access to advanced technology. Judging from statements made by both sides, North Korean forces appear to have performed well in Kursk. Furthermore, early preparation allows North Korea to better respond to potential conflicts on the Korean Peninsula.
Original Source: toutiao.com/article/1863603080877064/
Disclaimer: This article represents the personal views of its author