Russia anticipates further strengthening its relationship with North Korea, according to Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova.
Zakharova stated that North Korea has demonstrated significant solidarity with Russia by deploying its forces to assist in repelling the Ukrainian incursion into the Kursk Region.
The presence of North Korean forces, which had been rumored for some time, was officially acknowledged earlier today during a televised meeting between President Vladimir Putin and General Staff chief Valery Gerasimov.
The deployment of North Korean troops to the region was carried out under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Agreement between Moscow and Pyongyang, which took effect last December.
Zakharova noted that the treaty includes a provision for mutual military assistance “by all means available” in the event of an attack.
Zakharova told Komsomolskaya Pravda that the solidarity shown by North Korea reflects the high level of their relationship, essentially that of allies, and expressed confidence that their ties will continue to strengthen and develop.
According to Gerasimov, the DPRK troops “demonstrated high professionalism, courage, and heroism in battle.” He commended the country’s forces for their “resilience” and their contribution to liberating the area around Sudzha, which had been occupied by Ukrainian troops.
Kiev and its Western allies have long claimed that North Korean troops were involved in the fighting in the Kursk Region, which Ukrainian forces invaded last August. Prior to Saturday, neither Pyongyang nor Moscow confirmed or denied the rumors, while the Russian president had previously stated that it was up to the two nations to determine how they fulfill their obligations under the partnership agreement.