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Russia Publicly Acknowledges North Korean Troops Fighting in Ukraine
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![Ivan_khomenko]( "Photo of Ivan Khomenko")
-21d0b63c17f6020e4df75f6c6f9a2f4f.jpg "Photo of Ivan Khomenko")
For the first time, Russia has officially acknowledged the involvement of North Korean forces in its war against Ukraine.
According to Russian state media on April 26, Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov reported to President Vladimir Putin that North Korean troops fought alongside Russian forces in the Kursk region.
Gerasimov stated that North Korean soldiers “demonstrated resilience and heroism” while operating jointly with Russian units.
During the briefing, Gerasimov also claimed that Russian forces had allegedly completed an operation in the Kursk region, asserting that Ukrainian forces were pushed out and that the Russian military had “liberated” the final settlement of Hornal.
He further stated that Russia was working to establish a “security zone” in Ukraine’s Sumy region.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova commented on the development, emphasizing that Russia “will never forget the friends from the DPRK.”
Previously, Russia had denied the presence of North Korean troops on the battlefield, only mentioning “enhanced cooperation” with Pyongyang.
Western intelligence agencies and South Korean officials had earlier reported evidence of North Korean involvement, and at least two North Korean soldiers have reportedly been captured by Ukrainian forces.
Meanwhile, Ukraine’s General Staff reported continued defensive operations in the Kursk direction as of April 25, with approximately 30 clashes recorded that day.
The General Staff also stated that Ukrainian forces eliminated 1,110 Russian personnel over the previous 24 hours, bringing Russia’s total estimated losses in manpower to more than 947,000. Ukrainian forces also reported the destruction of eight tanks, 70 artillery systems, and one air defense asset.
Earlier, Russian forces were seen using a North Korean-supplied M1991 240-mm multiple rocket launcher for the first time. The system, designed for heavy urban bombardment, was captured on video as Russian soldiers installed anti-drone protection. Ukraine’s intelligence chief previously confirmed Russia had received 120 such launchers from North Korea, with more deliveries expected.
