Beijing – On Wednesday, Russia’s President Vladimir Putin expressed gratitude to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un for the involvement of DPRK soldiers in combat against Ukrainian defense forces during their bilateral discussions in Beijing., reports 24brussels.
Kim Jong Un arrived in Beijing with his daughter the previous day, participating in a multilateral diplomatic event alongside Chinese President Xi Jinping and Putin at a military parade. This parade commemorated the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the formation of the United Nations.
Following the parade, both leaders convened at the Diaoyutai state guest house, where Putin remarked, “At your initiative, as is well known, your special forces participated in the liberation of the Kursk region. Your soldiers fought courageously and heroically.” Earlier this year, North Korean military personnel aided Russia in expelling Ukrainian forces from the western Kursk region.
“I would like to note that we will never forget the sacrifices that your armed forces and the families of your servicemen have suffered,”
Putin stated.
“On behalf of the Russian people, I would like to thank you for your participation in the joint fight,”
Putin added.
“I ask you to convey my warmest words of gratitude to all the people of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.”
How many soldiers has North Korea sent to assist Russia in Ukraine?
According to South Korean intelligence and various analyses, North Korea has dispatched an estimated 15,000 troops to Russia since last year to support its invasion of Ukraine, including special forces and combat troops operating in the Kursk region. North Korea officially confirmed the deployment of these troops in April 2025. Additionally, North Korea supplied significant military hardware and munitions, contributing to 40% of Russia’s ammunition supplies for the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
When did both leaders last meet?
The previous meeting between Putin and Kim occurred on September 13, 2023, at the Vostochny Cosmodrome spaceport in Russia. During this encounter, they toured the facility and participated in extensive discussions, where Kim reaffirmed North Korea’s unconditional support for Russia.
