In late June 2024, reports circulated claiming that North Korea intended to send troops to Ukraine to support Russian forces in the ongoing conflict. This assertion sparked widespread discussion across various social media platforms, including X and TikTok, garnering millions of views. However, the veracity of these claims remains uncertain, necessitating a closer examination of the facts.
On June 19, 2024, a significant event unfolded when North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un and Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a mutual defense pact in Pyongyang. This agreement established a framework for cooperation between the two nations, particularly in the event of aggression against either country. Following this, South Korean media reported statements from unnamed government officials suggesting North Korea's plans to deploy troops to Ukraine.
The information prompted a flurry of speculation and concern, with some social media users citing sources like the Ukrainian newspaper Kyiv Post and South Korean TV network TV Chosun. Despite these claims, a thorough investigation by Snopes found no concrete evidence supporting the assertion that North Korea had made an official announcement regarding troop deployment. This raises important questions about the reliability of the information circulating online.
What You Will Learn
- The context of the mutual defense pact signed between Russia and North Korea.
- The origins of the claims regarding North Korea sending troops to Ukraine.
- The role of social media in spreading information and misinformation.
- The findings of Snopes regarding the validity of the troop deployment claims.