North Korea's Troops in Ukraine: What's Really Happening?

In a surprising turn of events, Russian President Vladimir Putin recently thanked North Korea for their soldiers' efforts in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. This comes after North Korean leader Kim Jong-un held a grand ceremony to welcome back troops who had been working in the Kursk region of Russia.

Troops' Involvement and Putin's Comments

The troops were officially labeled as engineers helping with mine clearance, but Putin's comments suggest they were also involved in combat. The relationship between Russia and North Korea seems to be strengthening, notable because North Korea has not typically been involved in conflicts outside of its borders.

Background of the Conflict

The troops were sent to help with the invasion of Ukraine, which started in 2014 when Russia took control of Crimea. The situation escalated in 2022 when Putin launched a full-scale invasion, claiming it was to remove what he called a "Nazi" government in Ukraine.

Kim Jong-un's Praise and Acknowledgment of Losses

Kim Jong-un's speech during the welcome-back ceremony was filled with praise for the soldiers. He described their work as heroic, mentioning that they had turned a dangerous area into a safe one in just three months. However, he also acknowledged that nine soldiers had lost their lives, raising questions about the true nature of their involvement and the risks they faced.

U.S. State Department's Report and North Korea's Claims

The U.S. State Department has reported that over 10,000 North Korean soldiers were sent to eastern Russia, with many of them participating in combat operations. North Korea has admitted to sending troops to Kursk and other regions where Ukrainian forces are present, but they claim they have not entered Ukrainian territory. This distinction is important, as it affects how the international community views their involvement.

Governor of Kursk's Praise and Critical Perspective

The governor of Kursk, Alexander Khinshtein, praised the North Korean forces for their work in demining and securing the region. He highlighted the "camaraderie between the Russian and Korean peoples", but this statement should be viewed critically. It's important to remember that this conflict is complex and involves many different actors with their own agendas.