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Putin Thanks North Korea for 14,000 Troops Halting Ukraine Push

7/20/2026

Center

Putin Thanks NK

President Vladimir Putin thanked North Korea for battlefield assistance that halted a Ukrainian push into Russia’s Kursk region in 2024.
The Moscow meeting paired Vladimir Putin with North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui, confirming gratitude for Ukraine war support.
North Korea sent 14,000 troops to repel a Ukrainian incursion into Kursk in August 2024.
The talks followed a Chinese delegation’s visit, Xi’s trip promising trade, agriculture and tourism ties.

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Putin Thanks NK

Choe Son Hui flew to Moscow on her personal aircraft, marking her first foreign trip since October.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov hosted North Korea’s foreign minister Choe Son Hui in Moscow after his invitation.
President Vladimir Putin thanked Pyongyang for supporting Russia’s war in Ukraine during a Kremlin meeting with Choe.
South Korea’s Unification Ministry is monitoring the talks and declined to comment on a possible Kim-Jong Un summit.

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Putin Thanks NK

President Vladimir Putin thanked North Korea for battlefield assistance that halted a Ukrainian push into Russia’s Kursk region in 2024.
The Moscow meeting paired Vladimir Putin with North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui, confirming gratitude for Ukraine war support.
North Korea sent 14,000 troops to repel a Ukrainian incursion into Kursk in August 2024.
The talks followed a Chinese delegation’s visit, Xi’s trip promising trade, agriculture and tourism ties.

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