Unwavering Commitment by Kim Jong Un to Provide Russia Unreserved Backing Against Ukraine - North Korean leader Kim Jong Un declares Russia's commitment to backing Ukraine without imposing any conditions.
In a significant development, North Korea has deployed approximately 11,000 elite troops to support Russia's war effort in Ukraine, according to mid-2025 reports. This move, representing over 20% of Kim Jong Un’s personal reserve force of 50,000 soldiers, underscores a significant commitment by Pyongyang to the conflict.
The troops, selected based on strict physical, psychological, and ideological criteria, have reportedly suffered heavy casualties, with some contingents completely wiped out. This suggests both Russia's critical personnel shortages and its growing reliance on allied authoritarian regimes for manpower.
Ukrainian officials have warned that any further deployment of North Korean troops could dangerously deplete Pyongyang’s strategic military reserves and threaten regime stability, potentially putting Kim Jong Un’s security at risk.
Beyond combat troops, North Korea is deepening military cooperation with Russia through the deployment of thousands of construction workers and combat engineers. In June 2025, it was announced that two brigades (about 5,000 men) of military construction workers and 1,000 combat engineers would be sent to Russia’s Kursk region to de-mine and repair war damage.
This initiative follows a broader partnership signed in summer 2024 and reflects expanded cooperation beyond frontline combat support into logistical and engineering roles. The partnership, which includes military assistance, is believed to be reciprocated by Russia providing food, funds, and support for North Korea's technical development of its rocket programs.
The strategic partnership between North Korea and Russia was further solidified during a meeting in the North Korean coastal city of Wonsan in the summer of 2024. During this meeting, Kim Jong Un pledged unconditional support to Russia in its war against Ukraine and stated that North Korea shares the same views on all strategic issues with Russia.
The meeting, which took place at a time when tensions between Russia and the West are high over the Ukraine crisis, marks a public show of support from North Korea for Russia's actions in Ukraine. The details of the meeting were reported by North Korea's state news agency KCNA.
It is important to note that there has been no official confirmation of North Korea sending additional troops to Russia. However, estimates suggest that up to 14,000 North Korean soldiers were involved in the fighting. The pledge was made during a meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.
The meeting is significant as it comes after Kim Jong Un inaugurated a new tourist resort in Wonsan, indicating a potential effort to strengthen diplomatic ties with key allies. The ongoing support from North Korea to Russia in the Ukraine conflict is a testament to the deepening strategic military partnership between Pyongyang and Moscow.
- The Commission, amidst the ongoing war-and-conflicts in Ukraine, may find it necessary to closely monitor the implementation of political strategies involving North Korea, given Pyongyang's significant commitment to the conflict through its deployment of troops and deepening military cooperation with Russia.
- General news outlets will likely continue to cover the political implications of North Korea's involvement in Ukraine, as the potential danger of depleting Pyongyang’s strategic military reserves and the expansion of the partnership between North Korea and Russia may pose risks for regional stability and international relations.
