North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has acknowledged for the first time that his country's soldiers deployed to Ukraine are instructed to self-destruct rather than be captured. Speaking at the inauguration of a memorial museum for fallen troops, Kim praised what he termed the 'extraordinary heroism' of soldiers who 'unhesitatingly opted for self-blasting, suicide attack' instead of surrender.
Deployment and Casualties
North Korea is the only third country to have sent troops to the frontlines of the Ukraine war. Under a pact with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Kim agreed to deploy around 15,000 soldiers to support Russian forces. According to South Korean intelligence, these troops have participated in combat operations, including the recapture of parts of the Kursk region. An estimated 2,000 North Korean soldiers have died so far.
Memorial and Military Cooperation
On Sunday, a memorial ceremony was held in Pyongyang, attended by Kim and Russian Defence Minister Andrey Belousov. Reports from state media KCNA indicate that North Korean soldiers have also been involved in mine-clearing operations in Russia, demonstrating 'absolute loyalty' to Kim.
Kim has previously been seen embracing wounded soldiers returning from Ukraine, some in wheelchairs or with severe injuries. In November last year, he awarded the title of Hero of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea to nine soldiers killed in Kursk.
In his speech, Kim described the Ukraine war as a 'new history of friendship with Russia written in blood' and a 'sacred war to wipe out the Ukrainian armed invaders.' He and Belousov have discussed a military cooperation agreement covering 2027 to 2031.
Meanwhile, North Korea has continued its weapons testing program, including live-fire exercises and missile launches, taking advantage of the ongoing conflict.
