North Korea’s Military Role in Ukraine Conflict
North Korea’s leader, Kim Jong-un, has ordered a monument to honor the soldiers killed while fighting for Russia in Ukraine, marking the first public acknowledgment of North Korean troops’ involvement in the conflict. Since last year, approximately 14,000 North Korean troops, mainly special operations units, have been deployed, with casualties reported up to 4,000. Kim emphasized the importance of this military alliance with Russia, suggesting it would enhance future cooperation between the two nations amidst concerns over economic and technological support from Russia in exchange for troop contributions.