Putin thanks North Korea for helping liberate Kursk region

TASS news agency reported on April 28 that the Kremlin said that Russian President Vladimir Putin sent thanks to North Korea, leader Kim Jong-un and units of the People's Army of this country for their help in liberating the Kursk region.

"The actions of our North Korean friends were motivated by the spirit of solidarity, justice and sincere comradeship," Putin stressed in the statement. "We are very grateful for this and sincerely grateful to Chairman of the State Affairs Commission of the DPRK, Comrade Kim Jong-un, personally, as well as to the entire leadership and people of the DPRK," the Russian president said.

"We pay tribute to the heroism of the North Korean soldiers, their excellent training and the spirit of devotion they showed when they fought side by side with Russian soldiers, defending our Fatherland as if it were their own," Putin stressed. "They fulfilled their duties with honor and courage, proudly writing their names in the glorious history," he added.

According to TASS, the operation to liberate the Kursk region ended on April 26. In a report to President Putin, Chief of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces, General Valery Gerasimov, praised the role of North Korean soldiers in destroying the Ukrainian troops in this area.

Russia and North Korea have signed a comprehensive strategic partnership agreement. Article 4 of the agreement states that in the event of an armed attack on either side, the other side will immediately provide military support and other forms of assistance using all available means.