[Pyongyang Highly Commends Heroism of DPRK Troops in Kursk]
On April 28, RIA Novosti reported that the Central Military Commission of the Workers' Party of Korea highly praised the heroism displayed by the Korean People's Army combat units during their actions in Kursk Oblast, Russia. In a written statement sent to the party newspaper Rodong Sinmun on Sunday, Kim Jong Un, leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, particularly emphasized the fighting spirit of soldiers who fight for justice.
Russian Armed Forces Chief of General Staff Valery Gerasimov specifically noted the assistance provided by North Korea in the defeat of Ukrainian forces in Kursk Oblast in his report to Russian President Vladimir Putin on April 26. Official spokesperson of the Russian Foreign Ministry, Maria Zakharova, revealed that North Korean soldiers participated in the liberation of the Kursk border region according to Article 4 of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty.
The Rodong Sinmun cited the statement from the Central Military Commission as saying, "The operation to liberate Kursk Oblast and repel the adventurist armed offensive of the Ukrainian authorities against Russia has ended in victory." The statement also noted that North Korea takes pride in having such soldiers.
The Central Military Commission stated, "Our armed forces' combat units were dispatched to participate in the liberation of Kursk Oblast under the order of the head of state, demonstrating high fighting spirit and excellent military skills, showing collective heroism, boundless courage, and self-sacrifice, defeating the new Nazi forces of Ukraine and making significant contributions to the liberation of the territory of the Russian Federation."
The article highlighted with special bold font the words of Kim Jong Un's evaluation of the North Korean soldiers. Kim Jong Un said, "Those who fight for justice are heroes and representatives of national honor... The fighting spirit and heroism of those warriors who demonstrated the glory of the strong victors will forever shine on the pedestal of honor for future generations." He also mentioned that Pyongyang will soon erect a monument to military achievements, and "eternal memory flowers" from the nation and people will be placed at the graves of fallen soldiers.
Kim Jong Un emphasized, "The homeland should always remember the souls of those who defend its great honor and take important national measures to show special respect and care for the families of the warriors who participated in combat operations."
Russian and North Korean leaders signed the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty on June 19, 2024, during Putin's visit to Pyongyang. This agreement came into effect on December 4 after the exchange of ratification documents. It replaced the Treaty on Friendship, Good Neighborliness, and Cooperation between Russia and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea signed on February 9, 2000. Article 4 of the treaty stipulates that if one party is subjected to an armed attack by another country or multiple countries and is at war, the other party shall immediately provide military and other assistance using all available means. This is based on Article 51 of the UN Charter and the laws of Russia and North Korea.
Source: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1830600833680384/
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