Russian President Vladimir Putin. Photo: Pavel Bednyakov / Sputnik
Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Friday that the use of North Korean troops is an internal matter for Russia if it decides to engage foreign soldiers to strengthen its own security. This remark came amid US reports that the DPRK has sent about 3,000 troops to Russia, which could be a significant escalation of the conflict in Ukraine, Reuters reports.
Ukraine’s intelligence service (GUR) has noted that the first units from North Korea have already been deployed in Russia’s Kursk region, where Ukrainian troops launched a surprise attack in August. Washington also reported confirmed evidence of this presence, noting that the purpose of these troops remains unknown. According to Western experts, the DPRK’s involvement demonstrates Moscow’s willingness to expand its military support with the help of its allies despite sanctions and diplomatic pressure.
Treatise on Mutual Assistance
The expansion of cooperation between Pyongyang and Moscow began with the signing of a “strategic partnership agreement” between Putin and Kim Jong-un in June during the Russian president’s visit to North Korea. The agreement provides for immediate military assistance in the event of aggression by third countries.
At a press conference after the BRICS summit in Kazan, Putin avoided directly confirming the deployment of North Korean troops, but stressed that the West is also actively helping Ukraine with weapons and mercenaries. He added that Russia has the sovereign right to act in defence of its own interests, especially given the threat from NATO.
It is not yet known whether the North Korean military will take part in hostilities on the territory of Ukraine or whether their presence will be limited to the Russian border region of Kursk.
