Kim Jong Un Justifies North Korea’s Involvement in Russia-Ukraine War
Kim Jong Un justified North Korea’s military involvement in the Russia-Ukraine war, framing it as an exercise of sovereign rights to protect a “brother nation.” He warned that military action could be authorized against U.S. provocations. North Korea has sent over 10,000 troops to Russia amid escalating ties, and recent battles have resulted in casualties among its soldiers, raising concerns over ongoing military strategies.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un expressed on Saturday that North Korea’s involvement in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war is not only justified, but he also regards it as a matter of sovereign rights to defend a so-called “brother nation.” This proclamation was relayed through state media, KCNA. He emphasized, “Our participation in the conflict was just, and it falls within the sovereign rights of our Republic,” highlighting a strong backing of North Korean actions in the region.
In a notable statement, Kim described the North Korean soldiers who partook in the Kursk operation as heroes, representing “the highest representatives of the nation’s honour,” indicating his intention to rally national pride around military efforts. Additionally, he warned that North Korea would not hesitate to authorize military force if the United States continues what he describes as military provocations aimed at Russia, which adds another layer of tension to the already strained relationships in the region.
Recently, North Korea confirmed it sent over 10,000 troops and weapons to Russia—an escalation stemming from a growing military partnership defined by a strategic treaty struck last year between Kim and Russian President Vladimir Putin. It wasn’t until late April that Pyongyang’s role in this conflict became clear, reflecting the extent of collaboration between the two nations.
Notably, in the past months, around 30 North Korean troops reportedly faced casualties during clashes with Ukrainian forces near the Kursk border region. The Ukrainian military intelligence agency has noted that North Korean forces were withdrawn after suffering substantial losses. As per a spokesperson for Ukraine’s Special Operations Forces, Oleksandr Kindratenko, they have not observed any activity or clashes involving North Korean troops recently.
To summarize, Kim Jong Un’s rhetoric surrounding North Korea’s involvement in the Ukraine conflict underscores a commitment to defend alliances deemed crucial, yet raises alarms over potential military escalations should U.S. actions continue. The engagement of over 10,000 troops also reflects a significant military collaboration with Russia. The recent heavy losses among North Korean soldiers highlight a precarious situation that could impact future involvements in the war.
Original Source: www.abc.net.au
