In a bold and defiant statement, Russian President Vladimir Putin suggested that any deployment of North Korean troops to support Russia’s war effort in Ukraine would be a “sovereign decision” of Moscow and Pyongyang. Speaking to Russian media on October 25, Putin refrained from directly confirming the involvement of North Korean soldiers but declared, “Once it’s necessary to make a decision, we will do so.”
Putin’s comments, his first indirect admission regarding the potential presence of North Korean forces in Russia, come amid reports from Ukrainian, South Korean, and U.S. intelligence indicating that North Korea has already sent nearly 12,000 troops, including senior officers, to Russia. South Korean satellite images reportedly show North Korean soldiers en route to Russian territories, potentially preparing for deployment as early as October 27-28, according to Ukrainian military intelligence.
Referring to Article 4 of the Russia-North Korea defense treaty, Putin insisted that the treaty’s provisions allow for such cooperation, adding, “What we will do with this article, that is still a question… It’s our business.” The Russian president’s firm stance has stoked international concern about escalating involvement of North Korean forces in Europe’s most volatile conflict, fueling fears of a growing alliance between Moscow and Pyongyang in defiance of global opposition.
While Pyongyang dismissed the troop reports as “groundless rumors,” Putin’s statements signal a potential shift, suggesting Russia may deepen military cooperation with one of the world’s most isolated regimes. As Ukraine and its allies brace for further developments, Putin’s “our business” declaration is a clear message to the international community that Moscow sees no bounds to expanding its military alliances, however controversial.
Will this partnership tip the scales in Russia’s favor, or mark a perilous new phase in the conflict with Ukraine? As Putin weighs his options, the world watches with bated breath.
