Portrait of North Korea-Russia Uniting Forces, Kim Jong Un Sends Thousands of Troops

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has reaffirmed his commitment to continue supporting Russia’s policies, particularly in maintaining sovereignty and security interests. The statement was made during a meeting with Russian Defence Minister Andrei Belousov, as reported by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), on Monday (27/4/2026). The meeting took place during a visit by a Russian delegation attending the inauguration ceremony of a monument honouring North Korean soldiers who died in battles in Russia’s Kursk region. That area has been one of the conflict points since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, which continues to this day. In his statement, Kim said the North Korean government would “fully support” Russia’s steps in defending its territorial integrity. This stance reinforces the close relations between the two countries amid increasingly heated global geopolitical dynamics. KCNA also reported that North Korea has sent approximately 14,000 troops to help with Russia’s military operations in Kursk, following a mutual defence pact agreement. However, according to officials from South Korea, Ukraine, and Western countries, more than 6,000 North Korean troops have been reported killed in the conflict. In addition to meeting Belousov, Kim also held talks with Russian Parliament Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin, a close ally of President Vladimir Putin. In that meeting, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral relations through a comprehensive strategic partnership. Kim himself has consistently portrayed the involvement of North Korean forces in Russia as a symbol of sacrifice and loyalty. In a written message at the monument, he stated that “the souls of the victims will live forever with the great honour they defended.” This development reflects the increasingly close alliance between Moscow and Pyongyang amid international pressure, while adding complexity to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.