North Korean leader Kim Jong-un declared his military "invincible" following its deployment to Russia's Kursk province, a mission he said demonstrated the international prestige of both the armed forces and the nation. These remarks were made on 11/12 during a meeting of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea.

According to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), Kim emphasized that overseas military operations in 2025 proved the military's status as an "invincible army and a true defender of international justice."

The Central Committee meeting, held from 9-11/12, reviewed the results of policy implementation for 2025 and prepared for the upcoming congress early next year. Modernization and strengthening defense capabilities continued to prove a correct path, ensuring national security and interests amidst global geopolitical and technological shifts.

Leader Kim Jong-un presided over the session of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea from 9-11/12. *Photo: KCNA*

The declaration comes amidst deepening ties between Russia and North Korea. In 6/2024, the leaders of the two countries signed a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership treaty. This agreement includes a mutual defense clause, stipulating that if one country faces an armed attack, the other will immediately provide military assistance and other aid by all possible means.

Two months after the treaty, Ukraine launched an offensive operation in Russia's Kursk province. North Korea subsequently dispatched forces to assist Russia in repelling Ukrainian forces and liberating Kursk province in late 4.

Russian Chief of General Staff Valery Gerasimov praised the "professionalism of North Korean servicemen" involved in the operations. In 5, Kim Jong-un affirmed that deploying troops to fight in Kursk was "justified and an an exercise of sovereign right to protect a fraternal nation".

Domestically, Kim also criticized a segment of officials for holding "incorrect ideological views" and exhibiting a passive, irresponsible work attitude. He demanded rectification of shortcomings and negative behaviors within the apparatus.

Furthermore, Kim praised the country's overall achievements over the past year, stating that North Korea had achieved "accelerated development momentum and doubled its level of self-reliance". He highlighted that the 5-year development plan had created a significant breakthrough, paving the way for the country to enter a phase of comprehensive development.

Thanh Danh (According to Reuters, Yonhap, AFP)