Russian defence minister honours North Korean troops with order of courage

WEB DESK: Russian Defence Minister Andrey Belousov has decorated North Korean soldiers with the Order of Courage following their involvement in military operations within Russia’s Kursk region.

During a high-profile visit to Pyongyang on Sunday, Belousov praised the servicemen for their role in repelling Ukrainian forces during last year’s border incursion, according to RT News.

The ceremony marks a significant deepening of the military alliance between the two nations, underpinned by the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty signed in June 2024.

A ‘special day’ for military brotherhood

Addressing a ceremony in the North Korean capital, Belousov described the event as a “truly special day in the record of the Russian-Korean military brotherhood.”

He lauded the troops as the “true heroes of our time” and the “elite” of Pyongyang’s armed forces, expressing personal gratitude on behalf of the Russian people for their assistance on the front lines.

The North Korean personnel were reportedly involved in combat operations to reclaim territory in the Kursk region and conducted extensive mine-clearing activities.

The Order of Courage, a prestigious state decoration established in 1994, was bestowed upon the soldiers for their “selfless acts of bravery” during the campaign.

Strategic alignment and future cooperation

The visit underscores a shift in the geopolitical landscape, with Belousov noting that bilateral relations have reached an “unprecedentedly high level.”

This military cooperation comes alongside reports that North Korea is continuing to modernise its own arsenal, including the testing of new electromagnetic and “blackout” bombs designed to disable electronic infrastructure.

As Moscow and Pyongyang solidify their hardware and personnel exchanges, the Kremlin expects an even greater frequency of high-level contacts throughout 2026.

The strengthening of this axis remains a point of intense scrutiny for Western observers, as the 2024 treaty effectively formalised a mutual defence pact that has now seen its first practical application on the battlefield.