Russian President Vladimir Putin has praised the role of troops from the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) in recent military operations, highlighting a deepening strategic partnership between Moscow and Pyongyang. Speaking on Sunday to mark the opening of a memorial dedicated to overseas military operations, Putin hailed the "bravery" of soldiers from both nations who fought "side by side" to reclaim the Kursk region.
The memorial, Putin stated, was established to commemorate the heroism and sacrifices of DPRK soldiers in achieving what he described as a shared victory. He emphasized that their actions demonstrated "courage and selfless commitment," earning them "enduring honor" in the eyes of the Russian people. The Russian leader also expressed gratitude to the DPRK troops involved and paid tribute to those who lost their lives.
This public acknowledgment follows statements from Russia's top military officials detailing the scope of the cooperation. Chief of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces, Valery Gerasimov, noted that DPRK forces provided "significant support" in defeating Ukrainian troops in the Kursk region, operating under the framework of a comprehensive strategic partnership treaty between the two countries.
The diplomatic and military engagement appears to be accelerating. In a separate high-level meeting, Russian Defense Minister Andrey Belousov held talks with DPRK top leader Kim Jong Un during a visit to Pyongyang. Both sides agreed to place their military cooperation on a "long-term, sustainable footing."
Belousov announced that the two nations are preparing to sign a detailed military cooperation plan for the 2027-2031 period later this year. "Russian-Korean interstate relations are at an unprecedentedly high level," the Russian defense minister declared, signaling a robust and forward-looking alliance.
For observers of Eurasian geopolitics, these developments underscore a significant and evolving strategic alignment. The public commemoration of joint military efforts, coupled with plans for structured long-term cooperation, points to a relationship moving beyond symbolic gestures into concrete, coordinated action. This partnership is poised to be a major factor in the regional security landscape for the years to come.
Reference(s):
Putin hails DPRK troops' role in reclaiming Russia's Kursk region
cgtn.com
