Kim Jong Un Opens Memorial for Soldiers Killed in Ukraine War
North Korea has unveiled a new memorial museum in Pyongyang dedicated to soldiers who died while fighting alongside Russian forces in the ongoing war in Ukraine. The opening ceremony, held this past Sunday, marks a significant moment in the deepening military alliance between the two nations, coinciding with the first anniversary of what both countries describe as the successful "liberation" of Russia’s Kursk region from Ukrainian forces.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un attended the inauguration of the "Memorial Museum of Combat Feats at the Overseas Military Operations" alongside high-ranking Russian officials, including Defence Minister Andrey Belousov and State Duma Chairman Vyacheslav Volodin.
During the event, Kim paid tribute to the fallen, noting that their legacy would remain “a symbol of the Korean people’s heroism” and support “a victorious march by the Korean and Russian people.” He also used the platform to denounce what he called a “hegemonic plot and military adventurism” by the U.S. and its allies.
While neither Moscow nor Pyongyang has officially disclosed casualty or deployment numbers, South Korean intelligence estimates that North Korea has sent approximately 15,000 soldiers to support Russian operations, with about 2,000 estimated to have been killed in the conflict.
The memorial serves as a public acknowledgment of the sacrifice made by North Korean troops. Russian President Vladimir Putin, in a letter read by Volodin during the ceremony, stated that the museum would “undoubtedly be a clear symbol of the friendship and solidarity” between the two nations, pledging a continued commitment to their "comprehensive strategic partnership."
Looking ahead, the collaboration shows no signs of slowing. Russian Defence Minister Belousov indicated that Moscow is prepared to sign a long-term military cooperation plan with Pyongyang covering 2027 through 2031. Analysts suggest that in exchange for supplying troops and conventional weapons, North Korea is receiving vital economic support and advanced military technology from Moscow.
