Fri Oct 24 03:08:35 UTC 2025: Summary:
Kim Jong Un celebrated the one-year anniversary of North Korean troop deployment to fight alongside Russia in Ukraine by opening a museum dedicated to the fallen soldiers. He hailed the strengthened “invincible” alliance with Russia, emphasizing the “militant fraternity” forged through shared sacrifice. The museum, a first of its kind in North Korea, honors soldiers who participated in operations, particularly in the “liberation of Kursk.” This event follows confirmed reports of North Korean troops fighting alongside Russian forces, a mutual defense pact between the two nations, and allegations of military cooperation in exchange for support.
News Article:
Kim Jong Un Opens Museum Honoring Soldiers Fighting in Ukraine, Praises “Invincible” Alliance with Russia
Pyongyang, North Korea – Kim Jong Un marked the one-year anniversary of North Korean troops’ deployment to Ukraine by inaugurating a museum dedicated to soldiers who fought alongside Russia, state media reported. At the groundbreaking ceremony in Pyongyang, Kim hailed the “invincible” alliance with Russia, emphasizing the “militant fraternity” forged in the conflict.
“The years of militant fraternity, in which a guarantee has been provided for the long-term development of the bilateral friendship at the cost of precious blood, will advance nonstop,” Kim said, according to KCNA.
The museum, reportedly the first of its kind in North Korea, will include a cemetery, memorial hall, and monument honoring soldiers involved in overseas operations, particularly those who participated in the “liberation of Kursk,” referring to operations defending the Kursk region of Russia.
Reports first surfaced in October 2024 that North Korean troops were fighting alongside Russian forces, a claim later supported by NATO, the U.S., and South Korean intelligence. Subsequently, Kim and Russian President Vladimir Putin ratified a mutual defense pact, obligating each country to provide immediate military assistance to the other in case of aggression.
North Korea confirmed its troops’ involvement in April, stating they were deployed to “annihilate and wipe out the Ukrainian neo-Nazi occupiers.” Estimates suggest North Korea deployed over 10,000 troops in exchange for economic and military technology assistance from Russia.
Casualty figures for North Korean forces vary. South Korean intelligence suggested approximately 2,000 soldiers had been killed as of September. Ukraine claimed North Korean troops were withdrawn in January due to heavy casualties, although the exact number of remaining North Korean soldiers remains unclear.
Recent reports from Ukraine allege North Korean soldiers based in Russia are operating drones across the border on reconnaissance missions. South Korea’s defense minister also stated that North Korea likely received technical assistance from Russia for its submarine program in exchange for military support in Ukraine.
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