Kim Jong Un praises military partnership with Russia and honors the liberators of Kursk.
In a significant episode of international military cooperation, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un commemorated the one-year anniversary of his troops’ deployment to Russia amid the ongoing Ukraine conflict by inaugurating a museum that honors their role in the war. This development not only underscores the deepening ties between Pyongyang and Moscow but also highlights North Korea’s strategic positioning in a shifting geopolitical landscape. The newly established memorial serves as a testament to the narratives of heroism and solidarity that North Korea seeks to promote in the context of its alliance with Russia.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un declared the country’s “invincible” alliance with Russia as he marked a year since North Korean troops were sent to support Moscow in its protracted war against Ukraine. During a groundbreaking ceremony held in Pyongyang, Kim paid tribute to soldiers who participated in what he described as operations aimed at “liberating Kursk.” He emphasized that their deployment marked a pivotal moment in the history of militant solidarity between North Korea and Russia.
Kim noted that the enduring relationship shaped by mutual sacrifices was a foundation upon which both countries could build future cooperation. In his remarks, he stated, “The years of militant fraternity, in which a guarantee has been provided for the long-term development of bilateral friendship at the cost of precious blood, will advance nonstop,” as reported by state media KCNA.
The ceremony was part of a broader effort to commemorate the North Korean troops who fought alongside Russian forces during an incursion by Ukraine into the Kursk region in 2024. The leader also announced the construction of a museum dedicated to these soldiers, which will include a cemetery, memorial hall, and monument. This initiative is described as a historic first within North Korea, aimed at immortalizing the legacies of those soldiers who participated in overseas operations.
The public remembrance comes amid rising concerns regarding the military relations between North Korea and Russia. Evidence from international intelligence agencies had indicated in October 2024 that North Korean troops were officially deployed to fight alongside the Russian military. Subsequently, this cooperation was formalized through a mutual defense pact between Kim and Russian President Vladimir Putin, raising alarms about the implications for global security dynamics.
This treaty mandates both nations to provide immediate military assistance if either country faces aggression. North Korea has since confirmed that it sent soldiers to the front lines to combat Ukrainian forces, with the aim of reclaiming territories previously held by Ukraine. Notably, Kim had previously described their mission as one to “annihilate and wipe out the Ukrainian neo-Nazi occupiers.”
While estimates vary, reports indicate that over 10,000 North Korean soldiers were deployed alongside Russian troops, in exchange for military and economic support from Russia. Casualty figures for North Korean forces have also been inconsistent. Official sources in South Korea reported that approximately 2,000 North Korean troops had died, while Ukraine suggested that many had been withdrawn due to significant losses.
Recently, Ukrainian officials reported ongoing activity involving North Korean troops, citing instances of engagement in reconnaissance missions utilizing drones along the border. This has sparked further discussions about the military exchanges occurring between the two nations, with South Korea’s defense minister suggesting that North Korea received technological assistance from Russia for submarine development in return for its military support against Ukraine.
As North Korea continues to showcase its historical narrative of military collaboration with Russia, the implications of their alliance remain a focal point for international observers concerned about the shifting balance of power in the region.
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