North Korean leader Kim Jong Un hailed his country's troops fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine’s Kursk Oblast as “heroes” and “representatives of the nation's honor,” according to state media reports.

The remarks mark a rare public acknowledgment of North Korea’s direct involvement in Russia’s war against Ukraine, which Kim defended as a “sacred mission” and a sovereign right.

Kim’s comments come amid escalating international concern over Pyongyang’s role in the conflict. North Korea formally confirmed its participation in late April, though reports suggest approximately 11,000 North Korean troops were deployed in fall 2024, with an additional 3,000 sent earlier this year. Ukrainian officials estimate that over one-third of these forces have been killed or wounded.

In a fiery statement, Kim warned the United States and its allies of severe consequences should they launch a renewed offensive against Russia. “If the henchmen of the United States and the West, with their tacky, defective munitions, attempt another assault on the Russian Federation, the DPRK will unhesitatingly issue an order on using its armed forces to repel the enemy’s invasion,” he declared.

Kim also praised Russia as a “spiritual model” for North Korea, describing its people as “the last to tolerate injustice.” North Korea has emerged as a key ally to Moscow, supplying not only troops but also ballistic missiles, artillery shells, and military equipment in violation of UN sanctions.

The growing alliance was underscored on May 9, when Russian President Vladimir Putin personally welcomed North Korean troops in Moscow after the Victory Day Parade. Kim, absent from the event, has reportedly maintained regular contact with the Kremlin, according to diplomatic sources.

The deepening Russia–North Korea military partnership has raised alarms in Western capitals, where leaders warn it could prolong the Ukraine conflict and undermine international norms against military aggression. (ILKHA)