North Korea Sends Troops to Russia as Putin Praises 'Heroes'

North Korea has officially confirmed it has sent troops to support Russia in its war against Ukraine, marking a historic first in Pyongyang's military involvement abroad in decades. According to a report by the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), the deployment was described as part of a "sacred international mission" to assist Russia against what North Korea termed "imperialist forces."

The announcement comes after widespread speculation and reports from Western intelligence suggesting North Korean forces were appearing alongside Russian troops in the eastern Ukrainian front lines. While specific numbers were not disclosed, North Korean media emphasized that its soldiers were fulfilling a "noble duty" and were "defending justice and peace" in cooperation with Russian forces.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, during a public address on Sunday, praised the North Korean soldiers, calling them "heroes who stand for freedom." Putin said, "The support from our allies, particularly the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, showcases the global solidarity against the West’s unjust actions." He highlighted the contribution of the North Korean contingent as a symbol of deepening ties between Moscow and Pyongyang, which have grown notably closer since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

Observers noted that North Korea’s open involvement risks further straining tensions on the international stage. The United States and its allies quickly condemned the move. A senior U.S. State Department official stated, "North Korea's deployment to an active warzone not only violates multiple international agreements but further destabilizes an already volatile region."

Meanwhile, Ukrainian officials expressed deep concern over the development. "This direct intervention by North Korean forces on Ukrainian soil is an alarming escalation," a spokesperson from Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense said. "It shows that Russia is increasingly reliant on outside help to sustain its war efforts."

Military analysts suggest that North Korea’s involvement may be limited primarily to logistical support, construction, and possibly non-combat duties. However, some unverified reports suggest that North Korean troops have been spotted near key battle zones in the Donetsk region, raising fears they could eventually be drawn into direct combat operations.

Beyond the battlefield, the move signifies a broader geopolitical shift. North Korea and Russia have been strengthening economic, military, and diplomatic relations, with recent reports highlighting agreements for technology exchanges, food aid, and energy support. This cooperation appears to serve both countries’ interests — for North Korea, breaking international isolation, and for Russia, filling critical manpower shortages amid prolonged fighting.

In Pyongyang, the deployment has been framed as a point of national pride. KCNA published images of massive rallies held to send off the troops, with citizens waving both North Korean and Russian flags. Official slogans declared, "Korea and Russia march together against imperialism!"

As the war in Ukraine drags on into its third year, the involvement of North Korean forces introduces a new and unpredictable element. Global leaders are now watching closely to see whether other nations may follow suit — and what impact this development may have on the broader security landscape in Europe and Asia.