Fact Check: In April 2025, Russia confirmed for the first time that North Korean forces were fighting alongside Russian troops in Kursk.

Fact Check: "In April 2025, Russia confirmed for the first time that North Korean forces were fighting alongside Russian troops in Kursk."

What We Know

In April 2025, both Russian and North Korean officials confirmed the deployment of North Korean troops to support Russian forces in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Reports indicate that North Korea sent approximately 11,000 elite soldiers to assist Russia, particularly in the Kursk region, which borders Ukraine (NPR, The New York Times). This confirmation followed months of speculation and intelligence reports from South Korean and Western agencies regarding North Korea's involvement in the conflict (The Moscow Times, USA Today).

The North Korean state media reported that these troops were sent under the orders of Kim Jong-un, who praised their "heroism and bravery" in combat (The New York Times, UPI). Russian military leaders, including General Valery Gerasimov, acknowledged the contributions of North Korean forces in reclaiming territory previously held by Ukrainian forces, marking a significant shift in the narrative surrounding the conflict (The Moscow Times, NPR).

Analysis

The claim that Russia confirmed the presence of North Korean troops in Kursk is substantiated by multiple credible sources. The confirmation from both nations serves as a pivotal moment in the conflict, as it highlights the military alliance between Russia and North Korea. The reliability of the sources is bolstered by their established reputations in international reporting. For instance, NPR and The New York Times are known for their rigorous journalistic standards, while UPI and USA Today also maintain credibility in reporting on international affairs.

However, it is essential to consider the potential biases of these sources. For example, state-controlled media in North Korea may present a more favorable view of the military's actions to bolster national pride, while Western media may emphasize the implications of this alliance in the context of global security. Nonetheless, the corroboration across various independent outlets lends weight to the claim.

Furthermore, the acknowledgment of North Korean troops fighting alongside Russian forces aligns with intelligence assessments from South Korea and other Western nations, which had previously indicated the presence of North Korean soldiers in the conflict (The Moscow Times, USA Today).

Conclusion

The claim that in April 2025, Russia confirmed for the first time that North Korean forces were fighting alongside Russian troops in Kursk is True. This conclusion is supported by multiple credible reports from both Russian and North Korean officials, as well as corroborating intelligence from independent sources. The confirmation marks a significant development in the ongoing conflict and underscores the evolving military alliance between Russia and North Korea.

Sources

1. North Koreans fighting for Russia against Ukraine grow ...
2. Russia's Putin Thanks Kim for North Korean Troops ...
3. Kursk offensive (2024–2025)
4. Putin Thanks North Korea for Helping Retake Kursk as Pyongyang Confirms ...
5. North Korea confirms troops fighting for Russia in Ukraine war - USA TODAY
6. North Korean losses exceed 6000 in Russia's Kursk Oblast ...
7. North Korea Confirms Troop Deployment to Russia's Kursk
8. North Korea confirms its troops are fighting for Russia in war ... - UPI