North Korea has formally acknowledged that it has dispatched military personnel to support Russian operations in Ukraine, the first time either nation has confirmed the long-suspected deployment.

Pyongyang’s announcement came through state media, which indicated leader Kim Jong Un authorized the military action as part of defense commitments established in a bilateral agreement with Russian President Vladimir Putin signed in 2024.

“The armed units serving in Russia are fulfilling their duties as allies, treating Russian territory with the same commitment as their homeland,” North Korean state media reported, describing the military cooperation as strengthening the “firm militant friendship” between the nations.

Read: Ukraine Warns of North Korean Involvement as Report Claims 10,000 Troops Sent to Russia

The confirmation follows statements by Russian military leadership on Saturday, when General Valery Gerasimov expressed gratitude for North Korean military assistance in combat operations within the Kursk region during discussions with Putin.

Ukrainian intelligence reports indicate approximately 14,000 North Korean personnel have entered the conflict zone, including replacement units for those lost in combat. Ukrainian analysts note that despite their limited experience with contemporary warfare systems, the North Korean forces have quickly adjusted to frontline conditions.

US diplomat Marco Rubio has cautioned that the Trump administration might abandon diplomatic efforts if meaningful progress toward resolution appears unlikely, as international participation in the conflict expands.

Security experts suggest North Korea’s military presence could prompt responses from additional countries, with South Korean officials previously suggesting they might supply Ukraine with combat equipment if Pyongyang’s involvement persisted.

Read: South Korea Considers Military Response to North Korean Troop Deployment in Russia 

Russian and North Korean authorities claim to have secured control of disputed areas in Kursk, although Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated on Sunday that Ukrainian forces maintain positions in the region.

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