Kim Jong-un Honors Fallen Troops as Ties with Russia Deepen

In a display of somber reflection, Kim Jong-un publicly honored North Korean soldiers who died in the Ukraine war, reinforcing military connections with Russia amid ongoing conflict dynamics.

Last week, North Korean state television broadcasted a poignant moment as Kim Jong-un, flanked by his daughter Kim Ju-ae and a Russian delegation, paid homage to fallen troops draped in the national flag. The event, which celebrated the one-year anniversary of a mutual defense treaty with Russia, showcased both Russian and North Korean cultural performances in Pyongyang.

This occasion, however, marked a significant pivot in demonstrating North Korea’s military involvement in the unfolding Ukraine crisis. For the first time, Kim publicly recognized the contributions of North Korean soldiers fighting alongside Russian forces, a revelation that included the acknowledgment of an estimated 14,000 to 15,000 troops and the casualties they suffered in the conflict.

According to South Korean intelligence, around 4,700 North Korean soldiers have been wounded in battle, with approximately 600 confirmed fatalities. The North Korean government had previously hinted at these deployments and losses when it pledged a monument and flowers for the fallen soldiers in April.

Despite the gravity of the circumstances, the event culminated in a cultural celebration, featuring performances and emotional tributes, including a song that proclaimed, “the heroes will live on in our hearts forever." State television's deliberate emphasis on soldiers fighting alongside Russian forces sheds light on the strategic ties being solidified between North Korea and Russia in response to ongoing geopolitical pressures.