According to a report by the Korean Central News Agency, Kim Jong Un was briefed in detail by the commanders on their overseas operations and expressed his satisfaction with the troops’ victory. He stressed that the Korean People’s Army has solidified its position as the “world’s strongest military” and established a respected reputation through its outstanding combat capabilities. Kim Jong Un stated that the military is fulfilling its duties and will continue to carry out important missions in the future.
Kim Jong Un noted that the commanders and their troops had fulfilled the great mission entrusted to them by their homeland, repaying that trust with loyalty and valor. He specifically mentioned that the troops’ operations in Kursk Oblast demonstrated extraordinary military capability, earning honor for the nation. Kim Jong Un offered his enthusiastic encouragement to all the commanders and soldiers, calling them “good sons raised by a heroic people.”
North Korea first publicly confirmed that it had sent troops to support Russia’s military actions against Ukraine in April 2025. Russian President Vladimir Putin also thanked the North Korean military for its assistance in recapturing the Kursk region.
