Kim Jong Un hails North Korean troops as heroes in liberation of Russia’s Kursk

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has praised the participation of North Korean troops in the Russian army's operation to liberate the Kursk region. 

He described it as a "sacred mission" to strengthen friendship with Russia. Kim Jong Un stated that the North Korean soldiers fought for justice and are heroes, Caliber.Az reports, citing Russian media.

The leader also sent a "warm combat greeting" to the Russian army and people for achieving a great victory.

Kim Jong Un announced that a monument would be erected in Pyongyang to honor the DPRK soldiers who fought near Kursk.

On April 26, 2025, Chief of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces Valery Gerasimov reported to Russian President Vladimir Putin on the complete liberation of the Kursk region from the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU). According to him, North Korean soldiers provided significant assistance in defeating the Ukrainian forces that had penetrated the area.

"I would especially like to note the participation of the servicemen of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea in liberating the border areas of the Kursk region, who, in accordance with the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty between our countries, provided significant help in defeating the infiltrating group of the Armed Forces of Ukraine," Gerasimov said.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova, in turn, stated that the North Korean servicemen participated in the operation to liberate the Kursk border area in accordance with Article 4 of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty, signed in June 2024.

On April 28, the North Korea officially announced the deployment of its troops to Russia. The decision was made in accordance with the Strategic Partnership Treaty. Based on an analysis and assessment of the current military-political situation, Kim Jong Un determined that the circumstances fell under the provisions of the agreement.

In March, Kim Jong Un stated that the North Korea would continue to steadfastly support Russia's actions in Ukraine.

"The firm choice and unwavering will of the government of the North Korea is to consistently support Russia's struggle to defend its state sovereignty, territorial integrity, and security interests in the future," Kim Jong Un said.

The Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty between Russia and the North Korea entered into force on December 4, 2024. According to the Russian Foreign Ministry, the document contributes to the construction of a just multipolar world.

According to the text of the document, the treaty is indefinite and provides for mutual military assistance in the event of an attack on either party.

By Khagan Isayev