Thu Jan 01 16:54:08 UTC 2026: Summary:
This news article from The Hindu e-Paper reports on North Korean leader Kim Jong Un’s New Year’s message praising North Korean troops fighting alongside Russia in Ukraine. Kim Jong Un commended their service and the strengthening of the “invincible alliance” between North Korea and Russia. South Korean and Western intelligence agencies report thousands of North Korean soldiers have been sent to support Russia. Analysts indicate that North Korea receives aid from Russia in return. He also hinted at more overseas military action in the future. The article also notes the dire situation faced by these soldiers, with reports of orders to commit suicide rather than be captured.
News Article:
Kim Jong Un Hails Troops in Ukraine, Cementing Alliance with Russia
Seoul, January 1, 2026 – In a New Year’s message released today, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un lauded his troops fighting in Ukraine, praising their role in solidifying an “invincible alliance” with Russia. State media reports Kim celebrated with a lavish performance in Pyongyang, accompanied by his wife and daughter, seen as his likely successor.
According to South Korean and Western intelligence, North Korea has deployed thousands of soldiers to aid Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine. Estimates suggest that over 600 North Korean soldiers have died, and thousands more have been injured. Analysts believe that North Korea is receiving financial aid, military technology, and vital supplies from Russia in exchange for this support.
Kim, as reported by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), expressed his gratitude to the soldiers “fighting bravely on the battlefields in the alien land,” urging them to continue to “fight for the fraternal Russian people.” He also hinted at further overseas military deployments in the coming year.
Experts suggest this deepening alliance provides a critical economic lifeline for Kim’s regime, allowing him to resist dialogue overtures from the United States and South Korea.
However, reports from the ground paint a grim picture. South Korean intelligence and accounts from captured North Korean soldiers suggest that troops have been ordered to commit suicide rather than be taken prisoner. Two captured North Korean soldiers currently held by Kyiv have expressed a desire to defect to South Korea.
The alliance, while providing economic and military benefits to North Korea, highlights the increasing integration of overseas deployments into official defense policy, prompting concern from international observers.
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