When asked about satellite images allegedly provided by South Korean Intelligence, showing North Korean soldiers headed to Russia, Putin responded, “images are serious; if they exist, they reflect something.” He did not confirm or deny the claims made by the United States.
Putin then pointed out the Russia-North Korea Defense Treaty, which the Russian parliament ratified on October 24: “As far as our relations with DPRK are concerned, the treaty has been ratified today. It has Article 4. We have never questioned the seriousness of the North Korean leadership in taking this agreement.”
In Article 4 of the agreement, it is stated that if one nation faces an “armed invader,” the other will provide “military assistance and other support with all the means at its disposal.” This provision establishes a military alliance that is the closest between Moscow and Pyongyang after the Cold War.
Early in August, Ukraine launched a border incursion into Kursk Oblast. It is claimed that around 100 settlements were seized and more than 1,300 square kilometers (500 sq miles) of land was taken. In September, Russia launched a counteroffensive with little success in the region.
On October 24, Ukraine’s military intelligence reported that the first North Korean soldiers were deployed alongside Russian troops on the front lines in Kursk Oblast. North Korea sent 12,000 troops including 500 officers and 3 generals. Initial sightings were reported on October 23.
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