North Korean leader Kim Jong Un recently met with the families of soldiers who were killed fighting for Russia in the ongoing conflict with Ukraine, expressing his condolences for the “unbearable pain” they are experiencing. This meeting was reported by the state-run media outlet, the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), on Saturday.
While the exact number of North Korean soldiers who have lost their lives in these combat operations remains unverified, South Korean estimates suggest that approximately 600 have died, with thousands more injured. Intelligence from South Korean and Western sources indicates that North Korea dispatched over 10,000 soldiers to Russia in 2024, mainly to the Kursk region, alongside sending military supplies, including artillery shells, missiles, and long-range rocket systems.
In his speech to the families, delivered on Friday, Kim emphasized his deep concern for those who have lost loved ones, admitting that he had reflected on the families of other fallen soldiers who were not present during a previous ceremony. Consequently, he arranged this meeting to console the bereaved families and help alleviate their sorrow. “I thought a lot about other martyrs’ families who were not present there,” he stated.
To further honor the sacrifices made by the soldiers, Kim announced plans to erect a monument in the capital city and create a new street dedicated to the families of the fallen soldiers. He pledged that the state would provide comprehensive support for the children of the deceased troops, saying, “My heart breaks and aches more at the sight of those little children.” He reassured the families, “I, our state and our army will take full responsibility for them and train them admirably as staunch and courageous fighters like their fathers.”
The North Korean regime only acknowledged the deployment of troops in support of Russia’s military efforts in Ukraine earlier in April and later admitted to casualties among its forces. In a previous ceremony, Kim was seen embracing a soldier who had returned from the front lines, an emotional moment captured in images released by KCNA, showcasing Kim’s commitment to honoring the soldiers’ sacrifices. During the event, he was also depicted kneeling before a portrait of a slain soldier, paying his respects with medals and flowers placed reverently beside the images of the fallen.
In early July, state media further highlighted Kim’s emotional responses as he honored flag-draped coffins of soldiers returning home, underscoring the personal and national impact of the conflict on North Korea’s leadership and the families affected by the losses.
