Fact Check: "Russian military thanks North Korea for fighting alongside them!"
What We Know
The claim that the Russian military has thanked North Korea for fighting alongside them appears to stem from a misunderstanding or misrepresentation of the current geopolitical situation. As of October 2023, there is no credible evidence or official statement from the Russian military acknowledging North Korean military involvement in any conflict alongside Russian forces. Reports from various news agencies indicate that while North Korea has expressed support for Russia, particularly in the context of the Ukraine conflict, there has been no formal military collaboration or acknowledgment of North Korean troops fighting for Russia (source-1).
Analysis
The reliability of sources discussing this claim is crucial. Many reports may originate from unofficial channels or speculative commentary rather than verified news outlets. For instance, while North Korea has shown a willingness to support Russia through diplomatic means, such as arms supplies, this does not equate to active military engagement. Furthermore, the Russian government has not made any public statements confirming North Korean troops are fighting alongside them, which would be a significant development if true. The absence of such statements from credible news sources suggests that the claim lacks substantial backing (source-2).
Additionally, the context of North Korea's military capabilities and Russia's current military needs must be considered. North Korea's military, while large, is primarily focused on its own national defense and has not been deployed in foreign conflicts in recent history. The idea of North Korean troops actively participating in a conflict outside their borders, especially alongside Russian forces, would be unprecedented and likely met with significant international scrutiny (source-3).
Conclusion
The claim that the Russian military has thanked North Korea for fighting alongside them is False. There is no credible evidence to support the assertion that North Korean troops are engaged in combat alongside Russian forces. The lack of official statements from both governments and the speculative nature of the sources discussing this claim further undermine its validity.
