Russia has for the first time officially admitted that North Korean soldiers are participating in its war against Ukraine. On 26 April, the chief of the Russian general staff, Valery Gerasimov, confirmed that fighters from North Korea are engaged in combat alongside Russian forces in the Kursk region. This admission was reported by the Center for Countering Disinformation, with reference to UNN.
Until now, Moscow had consistently denied the presence of North Korean troops on Russian territory. In the past, Russia went as far as falsifying documents to present these foreign soldiers as Russian ethnic minorities, such as Buryats. Now, however, the Kremlin is openly praising the North Korean troops, highlighting their so called resilience and heroism during battles in Kursk.
Russian propaganda has quickly amplified Gerasimov’s statement, presenting the collaboration as fully legal, citing a comprehensive strategic partnership agreement signed between Russia and North Korea last year. Analysts at the Center for Countering Disinformation state that Moscow’s acknowledgement is a clear attempt to legitimise the presence of foreign forces within Russia’s borders.
Moscow’s new approach appears aimed at sending a message to the global community. Russia is trying to show that it has firm international allies who are willing to join its illegal war against Ukraine. This strategy also seeks to bolster the Kremlin’s internal propaganda by maintaining the myth of widespread international support, especially at a time when Russia is suffering massive losses and forced to escalate mobilisation efforts.
There is also concern that this admission may hint at Russia’s willingness to further deploy North Korean forces inside Ukrainian territory, a dangerous escalation that would breach international norms even further.
Ukrainian military sources have repeatedly refuted Russia’s claims that fighting in the Kursk region has ended, insisting that operations are still ongoing. Ukraine continues to defend itself against a brutal invasion now openly backed by troops from one of the world’s most isolated and oppressive regimes.
