In unexpected and quite alarming circumstances, news has emerged from the North Korean leadership about the possible involvement of North Korean military forces in the conflict on the side of Russia
According to Yonhap agency, the North Korean government officially confirmed the deployment of its military units to Russia as part of support for the war against Ukraine, raising new questions regarding regional stability and the global security situation. According to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), the country’s leader, Kim Jong Un, personally ordered the dispatch of troops to Russia, citing the need to adhere to the provisions of the bilateral comprehensive strategic partnership treaty between Pyongyang and Moscow. Official statements emphasize that the decision to involve military forces was made after analyzing the current situation, which, according to them, meets the conditions for applying the pre-agreed terms of the treaty. Transcripts from KCNA state that, after confirming that the situation complies with the treaty’s conditions and establishing the necessity of supporting Russia in its war against Ukraine, North Korea’s command decided to participate its defenders in combat on Russian territory. The report indicates that this step is a response to appeals from international leaders and requests from allies, aimed at strengthening the strategic partnership, which, according to them, includes active military support. Furthermore, the report mentions that the military is reinforcing Russian forces specifically in the Kursk region, where signs of active fighting have already been recorded. This suggests that North Korea no longer hides its involvement in the conflict and, beyond geopolitical statements, is actually sending its troops into the frontlines of the war. This news raises significant concern in the international community, as it unpredictably shifts the balance of power and could substantially impact the course of the conflict. Geopolitical experts have already noted that such activity, given North Korea’s economic and military resources, adds additional risks to global security, especially considering the tensions surrounding North Korea’s nuclear program. Overall, these reports confirm the growing involvement of small and medium-sized states in the conflict, which on one hand complicates the situation for international mediators, and on the other, underscores the need for diplomatic efforts to prevent potential escalation that could have far-reaching consequences for global stability.