Putin Thanks Kim for North Korean Troops Fighting in Kursk

Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed gratitude to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un for deploying North Korean troops in support of Russian forces during the war in Ukraine, specifically acknowledging their role in the 'liberation' of the Kursk region. Putin praised the bravery and heroism of the North Korean soldiers, stating their participation was in accordance with a new treaty between the two countries. Kim described North Korea's involvement as a 'fraternal duty' to Russia. South Korean estimates indicate that around 2,000 North Korean troops died defending Kursk against Ukrainian incursions. The leaders made these remarks during their meeting in Beijing, where they attended a military parade commemorating the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. Putin also conveyed his thanks to the families of North Korean soldiers and asked Kim to pass on the gratitude of the Russian people.