Putin thanks North Korea’s Kim for military support pushing back Kiev’s troops

Russian forces have found brothers in arms in soldiers deployed by Pyongyang to repel a Ukrainian incursion, according to the message

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday expressed gratitude to North Korean soldiers and the country’s leader, Kim Jong-un, for the role they played in repelling a Ukrainian incursion.

The Russian military reported last week the full liberation of border areas of Kursk Region, which Kiev seized last August, acknowledging for the first time that North Korean troops had participated in the operation.

“North Korean friends acted in the spirit of solidarity, justice and true camaraderie,” Putin said in a statement. Pyongyang’s mission was launched in connection with a bilateral treaty signed last June, which includes mutual defense clauses.

“We appreciate the heroism, high level of specialized training and bravery of North Korean warriors, who defended our Homeland as their own, standing shoulder to shoulder with Russian fighters,” the message added. “They followed their duty with honor and valor and have covered themselves in timeless glory.”

Putin pledged that North Korean soldiers who lost their lives in the mission will be honored “on par with their Russian brothers in arms.”