Bangladesh, April 28 -- In a striking development that underscores deepening military cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang, Russian President Vladimir Putin on April 28 publicly thanked North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and his soldiers for their role in helping Russian forces repel a Ukrainian incursion into Russias Kursk Region. The announcement marks a significant acknowledgment by Russia of direct North Korean involvement in its conflict with Ukraine – a move that could have wide-ranging geopolitical ramifications.

According to Putins statement, North Korean troops demonstrated “solidarity, justice, and true camaraderie” as they fought alongside Russian forces to liberate border territories previously seized by Uk...