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Kim Jong Un mourned North Korean soldiers killed fighting for Russia in Ukraine, awarding badges at a Pyongyang ceremony.
Images from the ceremony showed Kim Jong Un embracing sobbing relatives.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un offered a rare and emotional tribute to soldiers killed while fighting for Russia in its war against Ukraine, saying his “heart aches” at their loss. Kim Jong Un made the remarks at a ceremony in Pyongyang, where he met commanders of a unit that had taken part in fighting in Russia’s western Kursk region, according to state media KCNA.
He hailed the troops as “a heroic army,” awarding commendation badges to returning soldiers and posthumously to the dead. Photographs released by KCNA showed Kim Jong Un pinning badges onto portraits of fallen servicemen displayed on a memorial wall, each name engraved in gold beneath the image.
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“My heart aches and is bitter as I face the reality that I only get to meet the noble figures who gave up their precious lives for great victory and glory through photos on the memorial wall,” Kim Jong Un said.
Addressing families of the dead, Kim Jong Un added: “As I stand in front of the bereaved families of the fallen soldiers, I don’t know how to express my regret and apologies for not being able to protect our precious sons.” Images from the ceremony showed Kim Jong Un embracing sobbing relatives, including children and bowing before soldiers’ portraits.
Heavy Losses Of North Korean Forces
The tribute marks a rare acknowledgement from Pyongyang of casualties suffered by North Korean forces deployed to support Russia. North Korea began sending thousands of troops and military equipment to Russia last year after high-profile meetings between Kim Jong Un and Russian President Vladimir Putin, bringing the reclusive state directly into Europe’s largest conflict since the Second World War.
While both governments initially denied the presence of North Korean troops in Russia, they have since confirmed their involvement. Western intelligence estimates about 12,000 North Korean soldiers are currently in Russia, with some reports suggesting Kim may be preparing to triple that number in the coming months.
US and Ukrainian officials believe around 4,000 North Korean troops from the initial deployment have been killed or wounded, reflecting the heavy toll of the fighting.
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