Kim Jong-un of North Korea consoles families of North Korean troops who died while fighting for Russia, according to state media KCNA.
In a significant development, North Korea has confirmed the deployment of its troops to support Russia's ongoing war in Ukraine. According to reports, more than 10,000 North Korean soldiers were sent to Russia in 2024, with the majority of them stationed in the Kursk region.
However, Pyongyang has not officially confirmed the exact numbers of casualties. South Korean and Western intelligence estimates suggest that around 600 North Korean soldiers have died, with thousands more wounded.
Kim Jong-un, the leader of North Korea, met with the families of the deceased soldiers last week at a public ceremony awarding honours to the soldiers. In a moving display, Kim was seen emotionally embracing a returned soldier at the ceremony.
In a speech delivered to the families on Friday, Kim pledged to erect a monument in the capital for the fallen soldiers and create a new street for the bereaved families. He also assured full support for the children of the deceased soldiers.
At the same ceremony, Kim was seen paying respects to a fallen soldier by kneeling before a portrait and placing medals and flowers. State media showed Kim honoring flag-draped coffins of deceased soldiers in early July.
North Korea has confirmed that it will take full responsibility for training its soldiers deployed in Russia. The soldiers were reportedly accompanied by artillery shells, missiles, and long-range rocket systems.
In a gesture of support, Kim also pledged to create a new street for the bereaved families and promised full support for the children of the deceased soldiers. He also pledged to erect a monument in the capital for the fallen soldiers.
This deployment marks a significant shift in North Korea's foreign policy and could have far-reaching implications for the region and the world. As the situation continues to evolve, updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
