North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has expressed profound sorrow over the deaths of soldiers who fought for Russia during its ongoing conflict in Ukraine, marking a rare public acknowledgment of military losses. At a ceremony held in Pyongyang on August 21, Kim met with commanders of a unit that participated in battles in the western Kursk region, praising their bravery and dedication as members of a “heroic army.”
State media outlet KCNA reported that photographs at the event captured Kim bestowing commendation badges upon both living soldiers and memorializing those who had died, with each fallen soldier’s name inscribed in gold beneath their photographs.
In a heartfelt speech, Kim stated, “My heart aches and is bitter as I face the reality that I only get to meet the noble figures who gave up their precious lives for great victory and glory through photos on the memorial wall.”
The atmosphere during the ceremony was reportedly emotional, as Kim interacted with grieving family members, many of whom were visibly upset and paying respects at the memorial wall. In some images, he was seen comforting crying children and embracing soldiers. Following the memorial service, a banquet was held to honor the returning unit.
The losses endured by North Korean troops in Russia have not been openly discussed by Kim or his administration, making this event a significant moment of acknowledgement regarding the impact of their deployment. Current estimates suggest that approximately 12,000 North Korean soldiers have been sent to Russia, with intelligence indicating that Kim may soon increase that number by up to three times.
Western officials have reported that of the initial troop deployment, about 4,000 soldiers have been killed or injured. Despite North Korea’s military being one of the largest in the world—boasting around 1.2 million personnel and mandatory service for individuals at age 17—their recent history has seen very little active conflict since the Korean War ended in 1953.
Some analysts caution against underestimating the abilities of North Korea’s troops in the Russian conflict, suggesting that many may be drawn from elite, highly indoctrinated divisions. Ukrainian special operations forces have described the extreme tactics exhibited by some North Korean soldiers, including acts of self-sacrifice to avoid capture.
Despite the heavy casualties, North Korea has continued its military partnership with Russia. Pyongyang has reportedly delivered thousands of shipping containers filled with munitions and related materials to support the Russian military, which has used North Korean-made missiles in their operations against Ukraine.
Also Read : FDA Expands Shrimp Recall Over Potential Radioactive Contamination
Recent intelligence reports indicate that North Korea plans to significantly increase its troop presence in Russia, potentially deploying an additional 25,000 to 30,000 soldiers in the coming months, raising concerns about what technology or resources Russia may offer in exchange, such as advanced satellite or space technology that could enhance North Korea’s nuclear weapons capabilities.
