North Korean delegation departs for Moscow ahead of May 9 Victory Day
Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed gratitude for North Korea’s military support in Russia’s war against Ukraine, North Korean state media reported Tuesday.
In a statement carried by the Korean Central News Agency, Putin praised the deployment of North Korean forces to Russia’s Kursk region, describing it as consistent with international law and the comprehensive strategic partnership treaty signed between the two countries in June last year.
“The dispatch fully conforms to international law and Article 4 of the ‘Treaty on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership,’” he was quoted as saying.
Putin went on to offer “heartfelt thanks” to North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, the country’s leadership, and its people. He added that “the Korean heroes who sacrificed their lives for Russia and our shared freedom will be remembered forever, just like their Russian comrades.”
The full statement was also prominently published on the front page of Rodong Sinmun, the most widely circulated newspaper in North Korea.
Rodong Sinmun further reported that high-ranking Russian officials, including Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov and Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova, also praised the contributions of the North Korean forces.
The state media coverage appears aimed at reassuring the North Korean public amid rising concerns about the overseas deployments. According to South Korea’s National Intelligence Service and Defense Ministry, North Korea has dispatched between 10,000 and 12,000 military personnel to support Russian operations since last October. Casualties are estimated at around 4,000.
Meanwhile, a North Korean military delegation led by Pak Yong-il, deputy director of the General Political Bureau of the Korean People’s Army, departed Pyongyang on Monday to attend the International Anti-Fascist Congress in Russia, ahead of the country’s Victory Day celebrations on May 9.
It remains unclear whether the delegation will join the military parade in Moscow for Victory Day. Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov previously invited North Korean troops to take part during his visit to Pyongyang in November last year.
Speculation is also mounting over a possible visit by Kim Jong-un to Russia, following an invitation extended by Putin during his June 2023 trip to Pyongyang.
flylikekite@heraldcorp.com
