Putin reveals for the first time the role of North Korean forces in the liberation of Kursk

Russian President Vladimir Putin has disclosed for the first time the military involvement of his North Korean ally in supporting Russia during the ongoing war in Ukraine.

During his meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, on the sidelines of a military parade in China, Putin expressed his gratitude for the bravery of North Korean soldiers who fought in the conflict.

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“At your initiative, as is well known, your special forces took part in the liberation of the Kursk region. Your soldiers fought with courage and heroism,” Putin stated.

He added: “I want to emphasize that we will never forget the sacrifices made by your armed forces and by the families of the soldiers.”

He continued: “On behalf of the Russian people, I would like to thank you for your participation in this common struggle. Please convey our warmest gratitude to all the sons and daughters of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.”

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This marks the first official acknowledgment by the Russian president of the participation and efforts of North Korean troops in the fighting. However, the Russian General Staff had already issued a similar tribute in a statement released last April.

For his part, Kim Jong-un told Putin that cooperation between the two countries had grown significantly since the signing of their partnership treaty in June 2024, reaffirming his readiness to “do everything in his power to assist” Russia.

The two leaders spoke during their bilateral meeting in Beijing, on the occasion of the celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of China’s victory over Japan in World War II.

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Massive assault

At the same time, Ukrainian and Polish authorities announced on Wednesday that Russia had carried out an extensive overnight air assault on Ukraine.

The attack wounded at least four railway workers and prompted Poland to scramble defensive aircraft, according to official statements.

Ukrainian officials and local media reported that air raid sirens blared for hours across the country, while explosions were heard in nine out of twenty-four regions, ranging from the capital Kyiv to Lviv and Volyn in the west.

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