North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has vowed his 'invariable support' for Russia in a letter to President Vladimir Putin, referring to Russia's ongoing war against Ukraine as'sacred,' according to state media. This pledge comes amid heightened speculation that Pyongyang is preparing to send additional troops to aid Moscow's war effort.
Background of the Alliance
Since Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine in 2022, North Korea has solidified its position as a key ally of the Kremlin. Analysts suggest that North Korea has been sending troops to support Russia's war effort, receiving economic benefits and military technology in return. South Korea's spy agency estimated last year that around 2,000 North Korean troops had been killed in the conflict, with a more recent assessment suggesting the number of casualties could be around 6,000.
In the letter, Kim referred to Russia's war as a'sacred' effort to defend the security interests of the country and international justice. He promised his unwavering support to Putin and the Russian people, emphasizing the firm resolve of North Korea to expand and deepen its comprehensive cooperation with Russia.
Current Speculations and Implications
The letter from Kim arrives amid growing speculation that North Korea is preparing to send more troops to Russia to support its military campaign against Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has claimed that up to 50,000 North Korean troops are expected to be deployed to Russia, although no evidence or timeframe has been provided to substantiate this claim.
In response to these claims, Zelensky has urged South Korea to supply air defense systems to protect against Russian missiles, a request that remains unanswered. The potential deployment of additional North Korean troops to Russia underscores the deepening military and strategic alliance between Pyongyang and Moscow, raising concerns about the escalating conflict in Ukraine and its broader implications for regional and global security.
