Kim Jong Un Honours North Korean Troops Who Fought in Russia-Ukraine War

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un honored troops who had served in support of Russia in its conflict with Ukraine, holding a ceremony to decorate returning soldiers and offering emotional support to children of those who died in battle, according to state media on Friday.
In a speech, Kim described the troops’ efforts as a demonstration of the strength and spirit of North Korea’s military. He highlighted what he called the “liberation of Kursk” as an example of their bravery.
At a memorial listing the names of the fallen, Kim was seen embracing grieving children, one of whom clung tightly to him in a tearful moment.
Kim also took part in a concert and banquet attended by military leaders, returning soldiers, and the families of those who were killed, state media reported.
These ceremonies are the latest in a series of public tributes to North Korean personnel who participated in combat operations abroad. Kim described their involvement as a “victorious conclusion,” though it was unclear whether this signified the end of their deployment.
In April, South Korean officials, citing intelligence sources, stated that approximately 600 North Korean soldiers had died while fighting in support of Russia, out of a reported 15,000 sent.
New deployments may be under consideration, according to South Korea’s intelligence assessments.
State television on Friday aired footage it claimed showed North Korean troops in combat in Russia’s Kursk region near the Ukrainian border. The video included a list of names and ages of those killed, along with details of their deaths.