Kim Jong Un, Andrey Belousov Unveil Pyongyang Memorial for North Korean Ukraine War Dead
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Russian Defence Minister Andrey Belousov unveiled a memorial in Pyongyang for North Koreans who have died fighting in the Ukraine war.
Pyongyang Ceremony Marks Casualties
Military jets flew overhead and white balloons were released during the unveiling of a statue and the opening of a memorial museum. This event on Sunday, which Russia described as the first anniversary of its recovery of parts of Kursk, saw Kim assure Belousov that North Korea "will as ever fully support the policy of the Russian Federation to defend the national sovereignty, territorial integrity and security interests." Kim stated Russia would "surely win a victory in the just sacred war."
South Korean intelligence estimates indicate that at least 15,000 North Korean soldiers have been deployed to support Russia in Ukraine, particularly in operations to regain control of western Kursk following a Ukrainian incursion in August 2024. Seoul further estimates that around 2,000 North Koreans have died in the conflict; neither Pyongyang nor Moscow have released official figures. In return for military personnel, North Korea is believed to have received food, financial assistance, and technical support from Moscow.
Deepening Military Ties
Belousov reportedly discussed long-term military co-operation with North Korean officials. Kim also met with Vyacheslav Volodin, speaker of Russia's parliament and a close ally of President Vladimir Putin. Putin previously thanked Kim for supporting Russia's war during a meeting in Beijing last September, praising North Korean soldiers for fighting "courageously and heroically." In June 2024, Putin and Kim formalised a mutual defence pact, pledging assistance in the event of aggression against either nation, a treaty Kim described as the "strongest ever." Beyond military personnel, North Korea has also committed to sending thousands of workers to aid in the reconstruction of Kursk.
