Kim Jong Un Commemorates One Year of North Korean Troop Deployment in Ukraine with Museum Opening
On the anniversary of North Korean troops’ deployment to support Russia in its conflict with Ukraine, Kim Jong Un inaugurated a museum dedicated to honoring the soldiers who lost their lives in combat. During the ceremony in Pyongyang, Kim emphasized the "invincible" alliance between North Korea and Russia, marking this milestone as a significant moment in their shared military history.
In his address, Kim expressed gratitude towards the families of North Korean soldiers who participated in operations aimed at “liberating Kursk.” He proclaimed that their involvement in Russia’s military efforts signifies the dawn of a new chapter in militant solidarity with Moscow. "The years of militant fraternity, forged in the sacrifice of our brave soldiers, will continue to strengthen our bilateral friendship," he stated, according to the state-run news agency KCNA.
Kim’s remarks highlighted that challenges posed by "domination and tyranny" would not impede the growing ties between North Korea and Russia. This event served as a public tribute to North Korean forces who played a role in countering Ukrainian advances into the Kursk region during the ongoing conflict.
The newly established museum, featuring a cemetery, memorial hall, and monument, is described by Kim as a groundbreaking initiative in North Korean history. "Today marks the beginning of the Memorial Museum of Combat Feats, a place where the heroic deeds and sacrifices of our soldiers in overseas operations will be forever remembered," he announced.
In October 2024, intelligence reports from NATO, the United States, and South Korea confirmed the deployment of North Korean troops to aid Russian military efforts. Following this, Kim and Russian President Vladimir Putin formalized a mutual defense agreement, raising international concerns about the deepening military collaboration between the two nuclear-armed nations. This treaty obliges both countries to provide immediate military support using all available means in the event of aggression against either state.
In April, North Korea publicly acknowledged the deployment of troops to the front lines, claiming they were engaged in operations to reclaim territory lost to Ukrainian forces. Kim described their mission as a commitment to “annihilate and wipe out the Ukrainian neo-Nazi occupiers while liberating the Kursk area” alongside Russian armed forces.
Estimates suggest that over 10,000 North Korean soldiers have been deployed, reportedly in exchange for economic and military technology support from Russia. Casualty estimates among North Korean troops have varied widely; South Korean intelligence reported around 2,000 fatalities, while Ukraine indicated that North Korean forces had been withdrawn due to heavy losses. The number of North Korean soldiers still actively engaged in combat remains unclear.
Recently, Ukraine claimed that North Korean troops stationed in Russia were operating drones for reconnaissance missions across the border. The Ukrainian General Staff reported intercepting communications between North Korean drone operators and Russian military personnel. Additionally, South Korea’s defense minister mentioned that North Korea might have received technical assistance from Russia to enhance its submarine development in return for military support against Ukraine.
This significant anniversary and the establishment of the memorial museum highlight the growing military partnership between North Korea and Russia, raising important questions about the implications for regional stability and international security.
