Russia has actively promoted the deployment of North Korean troops. It has abruptly reversed its previous denial and is now publicizing its friendly relationship.
The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported on the 11th (local time) that "Russia is extensively promoting its relationship with North Korea by exposing footage of North Korean troop activities to major media outlets."
Russian state television aired the daily life of North Korean soldiers deployed in Kursk. The footage showed North Korean troops translating and singing the Russian song "Katyusha."
A Russian soldier who grants on the broadcast stated, "North Korean troops have excellent physical ability and learn Russian quickly," adding, "They also have outstanding sniping skills."
According to WSJ, Russia is providing the North Korean troops with soy sauce, red pepper powder, and tofu. A North Korean soldier interviewed said, "I spend time watching Russian movies on my cellphone."
Russian state media Rossiyskaya Gazeta aired footage of Russian and North Korean troops waving the Russian flag and the Soviet flag, respectively. The TASS news agency released footage of North Korean troops running while holding rifles and grenade launchers.
North Korean media also responded to this.
The Korean Central News Agency reported that "Machegora's Russian ambassador to North Korea announced plans to build a memorial for North Korean troops in Kursk," adding, "The village name will also be changed to commemorate the deployment of North Korean troops."
Experts predicted that most of these videos were artificially staged.
Chris Monday, a Russian expert and professor at Dongsuh University, explained to WSJ that this is a "calculated campaign to portray North Korea as Russia's 'war brother.'"
WSJ reported, "Moscow and Pyongyang have kept the deployment of North Korean troops a secret for several months, but now they are extensively publicizing their wartime alliance and painting a rosy partnership."