A Historic Acknowledgment From Pyongyang
For the first time, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has openly admitted that his country has lost soldiers in Russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine. Speaking at a memorial ceremony in Pyongyang, Kim expressed sorrow, saying his “heart aches” as he faced the families of fallen troops.
Images released by KCNA, North Korea’s state-run media, showed Kim awarding medals, pinning badges on portraits of deceased soldiers, and embracing bereaved families. His remarks mark a rare departure from North Korea’s usual silence on military losses.
North Korean Soldiers in Russia: Scale of Deployment
- Intelligence reports estimate that 12,000 North Korean troops are currently deployed in Russia, particularly in the Kursk region.
- Approximately 4,000 soldiers have already been killed or wounded since late 2024.
- New intelligence suggests Pyongyang may send an additional 25,000 to 30,000 troops to reinforce Russia’s struggling forces.
Beyond manpower, Pyongyang has supplied ammunition, weapons, and missiles. U.S. officials confirm that Russia has used North Korea–made missiles in its strikes against Ukraine.
Brutal Battlefield Tactics
According to Ukrainian special operations forces, North Korean troops have demonstrated extreme and unconventional combat tactics:
- Soldiers discarding body armor to move faster during assaults.
- Fighters detonating grenades on themselves rather than risk capture.
- Relentless charges despite high casualty rates.
Analysts caution that while North Korea’s military lacks modern battle experience, its soldiers are drawn from elite, loyalist units and should not be underestimated.
Why Kim Jong Un Publicly Spoke Out
Experts suggest Kim’s admission serves two key purposes:
- Domestic Propaganda – By honoring fallen troops, Kim frames their deaths as heroic sacrifices for national pride and global solidarity.
- Strengthening the Moscow Alliance – The public acknowledgment underscores Pyongyang’s commitment to Russia at a time when Moscow faces global isolation.
KCNA highlighted emotional moments from the ceremony, including Kim embracing crying children and paying tribute alongside families.
Global Concerns Over North Korea–Russia Cooperation
The growing alliance between Moscow and Pyongyang has raised alarm among international observers. Western officials warn that in return for troops and weapons, Russia may provide North Korea with advanced military technology, including:
- Satellite and space launch systems
- Ballistic missile advancements
- Support for nuclear weapons development
Such cooperation could destabilize East Asia and intensify the global arms race.
Conclusion
Kim Jong Un’s rare acknowledgment of troop losses highlights the growing cost of North Korea’s involvement in the Ukraine war. With more deployments expected and closer ties forming between Pyongyang and Moscow, the conflict is expanding beyond Europe—shaping the balance of power across Asia and beyond.