N. Korean’s Leader Mourns Soldiers Killed in Russia-Ukraine War

(MENAFN) North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has been observed mourning his soldiers believed to have died while fighting in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, according to images broadcast on Tuesday by state-run media.

The footage, aired by media, depicted Kim solemnly draping a North Korean flag over a coffin during a memorial ceremony for the return of the remains of North Korean soldiers killed in the war. The ceremony took place in the context of a cultural event co-hosted by North Korea and Russia in Pyongyang on Sunday, which also marked the first anniversary of the signing of their "comprehensive strategic partnership" treaty.

Kim was seen in several photos, accompanied by North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui. In one particularly striking image, Kim was shown placing both hands on a coffin, his expression somber and lips tightly pressed.

The photos also featured images of North Korean soldiers alongside Russian troops, along with a bloodstained notebook, reportedly belonging to a North Korean soldier who had been on the frontlines in Russia's Kursk region. Russia's Culture Minister Olga Lyubimova was visibly emotional, wiping away tears during the event, as were other attendees in the audience.

The participants, including Kim, were seen wearing winter clothing, which suggests the ceremony took place several months ago, indicating that the remains of North Korean soldiers may have been returning since last winter.

North Korea sent thousands of troops to assist Russia in the Ukraine war after signing a partnership agreement between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un in Pyongyang in June of last year. According to reports from South Korea's intelligence agency, North Korea is expected to deploy additional soldiers to Russia within the next two months.

In a statement last month, Russian security chief Sergei Shoigu revealed that North Korea will send 6,000 personnel, including 1,000 combat engineers and 5,000 military builders, to assist with mine clearance and reconstruction efforts in the Kursk region, which borders Ukraine.

In April, South Korea’s spy agency reported that North Korea had likely suffered over 4,700 casualties, including 600 confirmed deaths, while fighting alongside Russian forces in the ongoing conflict.

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