North Korea’s leader Kim Jong Un has boldly justified sending 10,000 troops to Russia’s war in Ukraine, warning the United States that any provocations against his “brother nation” could trigger direct military intervention.
At a Glance
- Kim Jong Un has declared North Korea’s military support for Russia in Ukraine as “justified” and an exercise of sovereign rights
- North Korea has acknowledged sending over 10,000 troops to Russia and providing weapons, despite previous denials
- Kim threatened to use force against the U.S. and its allies if they continue what he calls “provocations” against Russia
- The military cooperation stems from a strategic partnership agreement signed by Kim and Putin last year
- Reports indicate nearly 5,000 North Korean soldiers have been lost fighting in Russia’s Kursk region
Kim Defends “Legitimate” Military Support for Russia
In a significant escalation of rhetoric, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has publicly defended his country’s involvement in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. According to state media KCNA, Kim framed the deployment of North Korean forces as a rightful exercise of national sovereignty in defense of Russia, which he repeatedly referred to as a “brother nation.”
The statement marks North Korea’s most explicit acknowledgment yet of its direct military participation in the Ukraine war, shattering previous denials of involvement that had been maintained for months.
Kim celebrated North Korean troops participating in combat operations in Russia’s Kursk region, bestowing high praise on these soldiers. “I consider all the brave soldiers who participated in the Kursk operation to be heroes and the highest representatives of the nation’s honour,” Kim declared, according to reports.Â
This recognition comes amid intelligence assessments that thousands of North Korean troops have already been deployed to Russian territory, with many reportedly killed in action against Ukrainian forces.
" Kim Jong Un has defended his country’s involvement in the Russia-Ukraine war, calling it a legitimate exercise of national sovereignty in support of a “brother nation " #North Korea #Russia #AMN https://t.co/y32dxiSrUM
— The Annapurna Express (@TheAnnaExpress) May 10, 2025
Threats Against the West and Military Commitments
In increasingly belligerent language, Kim warned that North Korea would not hesitate to take direct military action against the United States if provocations against Russia continue. This represents a significant expansion of North Korea’s security commitments beyond its own borders and signals a new phase in the already complex geopolitical landscape surrounding the Ukraine conflict. The statements indicate that North Korea now sees itself as directly aligned with Russia’s military objectives in Europe.
“If the United States and their Western lackeys, nuclear states, do not abandon their dangerous idea of military invasion against our brotherly country, the Russian Federation, and attack again, I will gladly and without hesitation order North Korea to use military force to repel the enemy’s invasion, in accordance with all provisions and the spirit of the 1945-46 Agreement.”, said Kim Jong Un.Â
Kim’s rhetoric describes supporting Russia as a “sacred mission” for North Koreans, placing ideological weight behind what appears to be a growing military alliance. The timing of these statements coincides with reports from South Korean intelligence suggesting that approximately 600 North Korean troops have already been killed fighting for Russia, with the total number of troops deployed now exceeding 10,000 according to multiple intelligence assessments.
Expanding Military Cooperation Beyond Personnel
Beyond sending troops, North Korea has been supplying Russia with substantial military aid including ammunition, artillery systems, and ballistic missiles. These weapons transfers represent a significant escalation in North Korea’s material support for Russia’s war effort and demonstrate the practical implementation of the strategic partnership agreement signed by Kim and Putin during their meeting last year. Intelligence reports indicate this weapons pipeline has been operating steadily despite international sanctions.
“Our participation in the conflict was just, and it falls within the sovereign rights of our Republic,” Kim said, according to KCNA. “I consider all the brave soldiers who participated in the Kursk operation to be heroes and the highest representatives of the nation’s honour,” he added
The military cooperation between North Korea and Russia has fundamentally altered security dynamics in East Asia and Europe simultaneously. Security experts view the partnership as mutually beneficial: Russia gains much-needed manpower and munitions for its Ukraine campaign, while North Korea receives economic support, technological assistance, and diplomatic backing on the international stage. This relationship has developed despite multiple United Nations resolutions prohibiting military cooperation with North Korea.
