Did Putin Thank Kim Jong-un for Troop Deployment to Russia?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
In an unprecedented move, Russian President Vladimir Putin thanked North Korean leader Kim Jong-un for sending troops to aid in the ongoing war against Ukraine. This marks a significant development in their bilateral relations, raising concerns globally. Explore the implications of this military collaboration and what it means for international relations.
Key Takeaways
- Putin thanks Kim Jong-un for troop deployment.
- Military cooperation between Russia and North Korea is growing.
- South Korea condemns the public acknowledgment of troop support.
- Concerns about international security and norms are raised.
- The alliance could impact stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
Seoul, April 28 (NationPress) Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed gratitude to North Korean leader Kim Jong-un for sending troops to aid in its conflict with Ukraine. He assured that their mutual friendship, established on the battlefield, will continue to strengthen, according to reports from Russian news outlets.
Putin conveyed his appreciation to Kim for North Korea's assistance in reclaiming the Kursk Region from Ukrainian forces, as reported by the Russian news agency Tass, citing a statement from the Kremlin’s press office, just hours after North Korea officially confirmed its troop deployment to Russia.
“We deeply value this and extend our heartfelt thanks, particularly to Chairman of the State Affairs Committee, Comrade Kim Jong-un, along with the entire leadership and people of North Korea,” Putin stated.
He further remarked that the robust friendship and collaboration between Russia and North Korea built on the battlefield will flourish and broaden, as noted by the Yonhap news agency.
On that day, North Korea publicly acknowledged for the first time that it had deployed troops to Russia to support Moscow's military actions against Ukraine under their mutual defense agreement, claiming that its soldiers played a role in helping Russia regain control of Kursk.
The troop deployment was executed under the direction of Kim Jong-un, following the provisions of the mutual defense treaty with Moscow, as reported by the North’s Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).
The KCNA, citing the North's Central Military Commission, provided the first official confirmation of troop dispatch to Russia, months after thousands of North Korean soldiers had been sent to Russia for combat operations in the Kursk front.
Meanwhile, South Korea condemned North Korea's public acknowledgment of sending troops to Russia in support of its military operation against Ukraine, accusing Pyongyang of “mocking” the global community by justifying the deployment.
The foreign ministry released a statement following North Korea's confirmation through its state media of troop deployment to assist Moscow's efforts in Kyiv under their mutual defense treaty.
Pyongyang asserted that the decision was made at the request of Kim Jong-un and claimed it was entirely legitimate per the treaty, which obligates both nations to provide military support if one comes under attack.
“By publicly admitting the deployment and asserting compliance with international law, they are again ridiculing the international community. We strongly condemn this action,” the ministry stated.
“The deployment of North Korean troops, along with enhanced military cooperation between Russia and North Korea, represents a serious breach of international norms, including the UN Charter and UN Security Council resolutions,” it added.
The government urged both Russia and North Korea to “immediately halt their unlawful military collaboration,” emphasizing that it “significantly undermines peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond, including Europe.”
“We will collaborate closely with the international community to implement all necessary measures against any actions that jeopardize our national security.”
Point of View
It is crucial to recognize the complexities of international relations. The military cooperation between Russia and North Korea raises significant concerns regarding global peace and stability. While both nations assert their actions as legitimate under mutual defense agreements, the international community must closely monitor the implications of such alliances.
NationPress
17/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted North Korea to send troops to Russia?
North Korea sent troops to Russia to support Moscow's military efforts in Ukraine, as per their mutual defense treaty.
How did South Korea react to North Korea's troop deployment?
South Korea condemned North Korea's public admission of sending troops to Russia, citing it as a mockery of the international community.
What are the implications of this military collaboration?
The military collaboration between Russia and North Korea raises concerns about international norms and security in the Indo-Pacific region.
What did Putin say about the troop deployment?
Putin expressed gratitude to Kim Jong-un for the deployment, emphasizing the strengthening of their bilateral friendship.
What does international law say about troop deployments?
Troop deployment under mutual defense treaties can be legitimate if it complies with international law, but it often raises concerns about broader implications for peace.
