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Memorial unveiled in Pyongyang for North Koreans killed in Ukraine war
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Russian Defence Minister Andrey Belousov inaugurated a monument and museum on Sunday honoring North Korean soldiers who died fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine. Military aircraft flew overhead as white balloons were released during the ceremony in the capital.
Scale of North Korean involvement
Neither Pyongyang nor Moscow has disclosed official figures on North Korean troop deployments or casualties. However, South Korean intelligence estimates that at least 15,000 North Korean soldiers have been sent to support Russia's efforts to regain control of western Kursk. Approximately 2,000 are believed to have died in the conflict.
Russia-North Korea military cooperation
In exchange for its military support, North Korea is reportedly receiving food, financial aid, and technical assistance from Russia. The memorial's opening coincided with Russia's declared first anniversary of retaking parts of Kursk, a region Ukraine had seized in a surprise offensive in August 2024. Moscow announced full control of the area a year later.
Kim reaffirms support for Russia's war
During the ceremony, Kim Jong Un pledged North Korea's unwavering backing for Russia's efforts to defend its sovereignty and security interests. State media quoted him as stating that Russia would "surely win a victory in the just sacred war."
"North Korea will, as ever, fully support the policy of the Russian Federation to defend the national sovereignty, territorial integrity, and security interests."
Kim Jong Un, North Korean state media
Belousov discusses long-term military ties
Andrey Belousov, who attended the event alongside Kim, confirmed discussions with North Korean officials on deepening military cooperation, according to Russian news agencies. The two sides have previously formalized their alliance, including a June 2024 treaty that commits both nations to mutual assistance in the event of aggression.
Kim described the agreement as the "strongest ever" between the two countries. Earlier, during a September 2023 meeting in Beijing, Russian President Vladimir Putin had personally thanked Kim for North Korea's support, praising its soldiers for fighting "courageously and heroically."
North Korea's broader role in Kursk
Beyond deploying troops, North Korea has also pledged to send thousands of workers to assist in rebuilding the Kursk region. The memorial, named the Memorial Museum of Combat Feats at the Overseas Military Operations, serves as both a tribute to fallen soldiers and a symbol of the two nations' deepening military partnership.
