North Korean Troops Deployed to Clear Mines in Russia's Kursk Region, Kim Jong-un Confirms
Kim Jong-un confirmed in a state-media report that North Korean troops were deployed earlier this year to clear landmines in Russia's Kursk region. The deployment involved an engineering regiment and lasted 120 days, commencing in August. During the operation, nine soldiers died, and Kim awarded the deceased state honors, praising the bravery and heroism of officers and soldiers under difficult conditions.
The returning regiment was welcomed in Pyongyang with images showing injured soldiers, some in wheelchairs. Kim consoled the families of the fallen and paid respects. During their mine-clearing hours, soldiers wrote letters to their hometowns.
South Korean and Western intelligence estimate that thousands of North Korean troops have been deployed to support Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Analysts suggest Russia provides aid to North Korea in exchange for this support, helping Pyongyang circumvent international sanctions. These disclosures follow North Korea's confirmation of deployment in April and Kim's prominent appearance alongside Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin at a military parade in Beijing in September.
