North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has unveiled a memorial in Pyongyang to honour North Korean soldiers who died while fighting in the Ukraine war alongside Russian forces.
The ceremony, attended by Russia’s Defence Minister Andrey Belousov, featured military jets flying overhead and white balloons released into the sky. A statue was revealed along with the opening of a new museum dedicated to what North Korea describes as overseas military operations.
The memorial marks a rare public acknowledgement of North Korea’s involvement in the conflict. While neither Pyongyang nor Moscow has confirmed official troop numbers or casualties, South Korean intelligence estimates that around 15,000 North Korean soldiers have been deployed to assist Russia, particularly in the western Kursk region. It also suggests that approximately 2,000 of those troops may have been killed.
The event coincided with what Russia describes as the first anniversary of regaining control of parts of Kursk, following a surprise Ukrainian incursion in August 2024. Moscow claims it fully recaptured the region a year later.
During the ceremony, Kim expressed strong support for Russia, stating that North Korea would continue to back Moscow’s efforts to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity. He also said that Russia would achieve victory in what he described as a “just sacred war.”
Belousov, in turn, highlighted ongoing discussions around long-term military cooperation between the two countries. The visit reflects growing ties between Pyongyang and Moscow, particularly in the context of the Ukraine conflict.
As part of this cooperation, North Korea is believed to have received economic and military benefits, including food supplies, financial support, and technical assistance from Russia. In addition to sending troops, Pyongyang has also reportedly committed workers to assist in reconstruction efforts in affected regions.
Kim also met Vyacheslav Volodin, a close ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, during the visit. The strengthening relationship between the two nations has been evident since a mutual defence agreement was signed in June 2024, pledging support in case of external aggression.
The unveiling of the memorial underscores the increasing alignment between North Korea and Russia, raising further international attention over their expanding military partnership amid the ongoing war in Ukraine.
