Russia: "Putin May Award North Korean Troops Who Participated in the Battle of Kursk"

Participation of North Korean Troops in Parade
"Kremlin Says Cannot Confirm"

The Kremlin anticipated on April 29 (local time) that Russian President Vladimir Putin may award North Korean troops who participated in the Battle of Kursk.

According to TASS news agency, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov responded during a briefing that day regarding President Putin's plans to award North Korean soldiers, stating, "We do not know yet, but it cannot be ruled out."

However, when asked whether the North Korean troops who took part in the Kursk operation would participate in the Victory Day parade commemorating the end of World War II, scheduled for May 9 at Moscow's Red Square, he replied, "I cannot say for certain. This is an issue that must be clarified by the Ministry of Defense," thus avoiding a direct answer.

Russian President Vladimir Putin. Photo by EPA Yonhap News

Previously, on April 26, Russia announced that it had fully recaptured the Kursk territory previously occupied by Ukrainian forces, and acknowledged that North Korean troops had provided support during the process.

President Putin also issued a statement the previous day, saying, "The North Korean military units played an active role in the battle to repel the Ukrainian neo-Nazi units that invaded our territory." He added, "The actions of our North Korean friends were guided by a sense of solidarity, justice, and true camaraderie," and emphasized, "We are deeply grateful for this, and I personally extend my sincere thanks to Chairman Kim Jong Un, the entire North Korean leadership, and the people of North Korea."

Meanwhile, Russia recently released footage showing North Korean troops conducting combat training in Kursk. In the video, North Korean soldiers are seen firing live rounds from rifles and launching portable anti-tank rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs) at a training ground under the command of North Korean officers. One commanding officer is heard shouting, "Until the end." The footage also shows North Korean soldiers observing a Russian soldier demonstrating grenade use and then throwing grenades themselves, running through trenches, and moving while singing military songs as dusk falls.