Vladimir Putin has publicly confirmed for the first time that North Korean troops are fighting for Russia in the Ukraine war. 

Last October, the Pentagon said about 10,000 North Korean troops had been sent to train in Russia and were expected to be deployed in Ukraine. 

Neither Putin nor North Korean leader Kim Jong-un outright confirmed the reports. 

Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong-un both praised North Korean troops for fighting against Ukraine

Image credits: Kremlin / Handout / Getty Images

But both leaders have now released a statement confirming the deployment, claiming their forces recaptured Russia’s Kursk region. 

“The Armed Forces of the Russian Federation finally defeated the group of Ukrainian militants that invaded the Kursk Region, putting an end to the criminal provocation perpetrated by the Ukrainian authorities in an attempt to seize part of the Russian Federation territory,” Putin said. 

North Korean forces “played an active role in the fight,” Putin added, as he commended the soldiers’ “heroism.” 

“Our Korean friends’ move was guided by a sense of solidarity, justice and genuine camaraderie,” Putin continued.

“We highly appreciate this and are sincerely grateful, personally to the Chairman of State Affairs, Comrade Kim Jong-un, as well as the entire leadership and the people of the DPRK.” 

Image credits: The Telegraph

In a statement to North Korean national broadcaster KCNA, Kim also described the soldiers as heroes. 

“They, who fought for justice, are all heroes who represent the honor of their motherland,” he said. 

“In commemoration of the heroism and bravery displayed by the proud sons of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, a monument to their battle feats will soon be erected in our capital city, and before the tombstones of the fallen soldiers, flowers will be laid as a token of the motherland and the people praying for their immortality.” 

Image credits: Arirang News / YouTube

In August last year, Ukrainian forces launched a surprise cross-border attack into Kursk and captured the territory. 

It was the first time a foreign power had launched a ground invasion into Russia since World War II. 

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has denied claims that Kursk has been recaptured, saying his forces are still operating in the region. 

“Our military continues to operate in the Kursk and Belgorod regions – we maintain our presence in Russia. Pokrovsk, all other directions in Donetsk region – I thank our warriors for resilience,” Zelenskyy posted on X. 

“We are keeping all our positions strong so that we have every opportunity for proper diplomacy. The Russians talk a lot about their alleged readiness to accept American proposals, but so far, there have been no signs of the Russian army preparing for real silence.”

Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Ukrainian military operations were continuing in the Kursk region

Our military continues to operate in the Kursk and Belgorod regions – we maintain our presence in Russia. Pokrovsk, all other directions in Donetsk region – I thank our warriors for resilience. Incredible job!

We are keeping all our positions strong so that we have every… pic.twitter.com/BDc6eTw1Hp

— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) April 27, 2025

“On the contrary, since Easter, the occupier has resumed its usual assault activity – at the cost of significant losses, the Russians are trying to advance. And every day of such battles at the front proves that Russia is really trying to deceive the world – to deceive America and others – and to further prolong this war.” 

Meanwhile, Russia has announced a temporary three-day ceasefire in Ukraine to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. 

The Kremlin confirmed a ceasefire would be in effect from midnight on May 8 until midnight on May 11. 

“During this period, all military actions will cease. Russia believes that the Ukrainian side should follow this example,” a statement said. 

Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha described the three-day ceasefire as a “parade” and urged Russia to commit to a 30-day ceasefire. 

“If Russia truly wants peace, it must cease fire immediately,” he posted on X. “Why wait until May 8th? If the fire can be ceased now and since any date for 30 days—so it is real, not just for a parade. 

“Ukraine is ready to support a lasting, durable, and full ceasefire. And this is what we are constantly proposing, for at least 30 days.” 

Russia continues to launch aerial strikes at Ukraine as Trump calls for a ceasefire

Image credits: Spencer Platt / Getty Images

U.S. President Donald Trump is also pushing for an immediate ceasefire and has criticized Putin for continuing attacks on Ukraine. 

He has also criticized Zelenskyy for refusing to recognize Crimea as Russian territory.

A barrage of Russian attacks on Kyiv on April 24 killed 13 people and injured almost 90 other people, including six children. 

It was one of the deadliest Russian attacks on Kyiv in recent months. 

Trump posted on Truth Social condemning Putin for the strike and urged him to “stop.” 

“I am not happy with the Russian strikes on KYIV,” he said.

“Not necessary, and very bad timing. Vladimir, STOP! 5000 soldiers a week are dying. Lets get the Peace Deal DONE!” 

Trump and Zelenskyy had a 15-minute meeting at the Vatican on Saturday as both leaders attended Pope Francis’ funeral. 

Zelenskyy said the short meeting had the “potential to become historic” while Trump described it as “very productive.”