Treatment of Wounded Russian Soldiers in North Korea and Strengthened Bilateral Relations
Russian soldiers wounded in Ukraine are receiving free medical treatment and rehabilitation in North Korea, as stated by Alexander Matsegora, the Russian ambassador. The two nations have significantly strengthened their ties, formalizing collaboration through a strategic partnership agreement in 2024, which includes military cooperation and trade relations. North Korea is also aiding Russia by providing troops and military supplies.
According to Alexander Matsegora, Russia’s ambassador to North Korea, Russian soldiers injured in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine receive medical treatment and rehabilitation in North Korea. This information was disclosed in an interview with Rossiyskaya Gazeta, a state-controlled media outlet, on February 9. Over the last three years, the geopolitical landscape has seen a strengthening of ties between North Korea and Russia, challenging international stability amidst increased alignment against Western nations.
In fall 2024, Russia and North Korea formalized their cooperation through a strategic partnership agreement, focusing on trade, scientific endeavors, technical development, and defense collaborations. Notably, the agreement fails to address the medical treatment of wounded Russian soldiers. Ambassador Matsegora emphasized that care is provided at North Korean facilities without charge, referring to them as “the best hospitals and sanatoriums.” He stated that “hundreds” of wounded soldiers have already been treated in North Korea.
Matsegora further remarked that when Russia offered to reimburse North Korea for some treatment costs, the North Koreans expressed offense, requesting that such offers be discontinued. In addition to medical care for wounded military personnel, the ambassador noted that children of fallen Russian service members have had opportunities to vacation in North Korea, and there are plans for educational exchanges between university students from both nations.
Trade relations have also expanded, with Russia supplying North Korea with essential goods such as coal, food, and medicine. Furthermore, military cooperation reached new depths in 2024 when Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un signed a mutual defense pact in June. Subsequently, North Korea increased its military support for Russia, including the provision of arms and the deployment of additional troops.
Last fall, it was reported that as many as 12,000 North Korean soldiers were positioned in Russia’s Kursk Oblast to assist Russian forces in repelling Ukrainian advances in the region.
The collaboration between Russia and North Korea has intensified, particularly concerning the treatment of Russian combatants injured in Ukraine. Free medical care has been extended to them in North Korean facilities, and military partnerships have solidified through trade agreements and mutual defense pacts. Both nations are also growing closer in various sectors, including education and humanitarian support for affected military families.
Original Source: kyivindependent.com
