Moscow: Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed his gratitude to North Korean leader Kim Jong-un for the deployment of troops in support of Russia's military operations in Ukraine, as stated by the Kremlin. Putin assured that the bilateral friendship between Russia and North Korea, strengthened through shared battlefield experiences, will continue to flourish in various sectors.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Putin extended his appreciation to Kim for the "active role" played by North Korean soldiers in the conflict with Ukraine. This acknowledgment came shortly after North Korea officially confirmed its troop deployment to Russian territory. Putin commended the solidarity and camaraderie demonstrated by the North Korean forces, emphasizing his gratitude to Kim, the North Korean leadership, and its people.
Putin further elaborated on the robust bond of friendship and cooperation between the two nations, asserting that these relations, forged amid conflict, will continue to expand. He defended the involvement of North Korean troops, claiming it adheres to international laws. Putin also accused Ukraine of provoking the conflict by invading Russian territory, suggesting that Kyiv was responsible for initiating the war.
The deployment of North Korean troops, according to Putin, aligns with a treaty on comprehensive strategic partnership signed by him and Kim in June last year in Pyongyang. This treaty commits both nations to provide immediate military assistance in the event of an armed attack on either country.
The confirmation of North Korean troops' involvement in combat in Kursk, on the Russian side, was publicly announced almost simultaneously by both Russia and North Korea. Experts have speculated that the timing of these announcements was likely coordinated between the two countries.
Since the deployment of over 10,000 North Korean forces to Russia in October, both nations had maintained silence until Russia's top general confirmed their engagement last Saturday, followed by North Korea's confirmation on Monday.
These developments have led to speculations that Kim Jong-un might travel to Russia for a summit with Putin to further solidify their partnership. There is also talk that Kim may seek to discuss the repatriation of North Korean war dead or prisoners of war.
Russia's Ria Novosti news outlet reported that Putin currently has no plans to engage in talks with Kim, as stated by Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov.