Kim Jong Un Honors North Korean Soldiers Who Fought for Russia in Ukraine, Promising ‘Beautiful Life’ to Their Families
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un offered promises of a “beautiful life” to the families of soldiers who perished fighting for Russia alongside Ukraine, according to state media reports on Saturday. The bereaved were commended for their patriotism and the courage instilled in their loved ones by their steadfastness.
During a meeting with the families of fallen soldiers on Friday, Kim expressed regret for his inability to save the lives of these valiant men who fought to protect the nation’s honor, as reported by KCNA state news agency. He acknowledged that it was due to the fortitude and patriotism of their families – “the most tenacious, patriotic, and just people in the world” – that these soldiers were able to display such heroic feats.
Kim further expressed his belief that though they had not written any letters to him, the deceased must have entrusted their loved ones, including their cherished children, to his care. He pledged to provide them with a “beautiful life” in the nation secured by the sacrifice of these martyrs.
State television footage showed Kim bowing deeply in respect to the families who appeared visibly moved at the event. The meeting was part of ongoing recognition for soldiers who sustained heavy casualties in Russia’s Kursk region, following Kim and Russian President Vladimir Putin’s acknowledgment of the deployment in April after months of silence.
On Saturday, state television aired a 25-minute documentary featuring footage purportedly showing North Korean troops participating in “Operation Kursk Liberation” to drive Ukrainian forces from the border region. The authenticity of this footage depicting North Korean soldiers in battle was not independently verified by Reuters.
The film disclosed that Kim made the decision to deploy troops to Russia last August, marking the first time this move was revealed. It took place two months after Kim and Putin signed a security treaty encompassing a mutual defense pact.
Kim is set to join Putin in China for a military parade next week commemorating the surrender of Japan during World War Two, marking their third meeting within two years as they strengthened a military alliance.
Though the exact scale of the deployment and casualties suffered by North Korean troops have not been publicly disclosed, South Korea’s intelligence agency estimates that around 600 soldiers have perished out of an original deployment of 15,000. Western intelligence agencies have estimated over 6,000 casualties.