Russia officially confirms North Korean troops fighting against Ukraine

He reported this to Russian leader Vladimir Putin, according to the Telegram channel Kremlin. News.

"I would like to specifically highlight the participation of military personnel from the Democratic People's Republic of Korea in the liberation of the border areas of the Kursk region," noted the head of the Russian General Staff.

According to him, their involvement took place "in accordance with the comprehensive strategic partnership agreement" between Russia and North Korea.

Gerasimov stated that the Korean military "provided significant assistance in defeating the grouping of the Armed Forces of Ukraine that had penetrated the area."

"Soldiers and officers of the Korean People's Army, carrying out combat missions side by side with Russian servicemen, demonstrated high professionalism, resilience, courage, and heroism in battle while repelling the Ukrainian incursion," he concluded.

Russia's Foreign Ministry statement

The spokesperson for the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Maria Zakharova, responded to Gerasimov’s statement regarding what she called the "liberation of the Kursk region from the Armed Forces of Ukraine."

"Gerasimov reported that DPRK fighters, acting side by side with Russian soldiers in the Kursk region, demonstrated resilience and heroism. We will never forget our friends," she emphasized.

• Chief of the Russian Armed Forces’ General Staff Valery Gerasimov reported to Russian leader Vladimir Putin about the alleged "completion of the operation to liberate the Kursk region from the Ukrainian Armed Forces."