North Korea has officially confirmed for the first time that it sent troops to Russia to assist in the Ukraine war. The country’s leader, Kim Jong Un, explained that the deployment was part of a defense agreement between North Korea and Russia.

In a statement from the Workers’ Party’s Central Military Commission, Kim said the goal of the mission is to “annihilate and wipe out the Ukrainian neo-Nazi occupiers” and to help liberate the Kursk area alongside Russian forces. Kim praised the soldiers, calling them heroes who fought for justice.

The confirmation follows months of rumors. Intelligence from the U.S., South Korea, and Ukraine had suggested that between 10,000 and 12,000 North Korean troops were sent to Russia in late 2024. Until now, North Korea had not confirmed these reports.

In addition, South Korea’s military reported that North Korea had sent 3,000 more troops after some of its forces were heavily injured or killed on the frontlines. South Korean officials estimate that around 4,000 North Korean soldiers have been killed or wounded in the conflict, a number also supported by Ukrainian President Zelensky. However, U.S. intelligence estimates the number to be closer to 1,200.

This official confirmation adds more attention to the growing international involvement in the Ukraine war.