North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has publicly honored troops who took their own lives during combat operations in Ukraine’s Kursk region rather than risk being captured by Ukrainian forces.
Speaking at a memorial ceremony for fallen North Korean soldiers, Kim acknowledged for the first time the extreme measures taken by his forces deployed alongside Russian troops. Approximately 14,000 North Korean soldiers were sent to support Russia’s military operations in the Kursk area, where they have faced significant losses.
According to South Korean, Ukrainian and Western military officials, more than 6,000 North Korean personnel have been killed in the fighting. Intelligence reports and accounts from defectors have documented instances where North Korean soldiers chose self-detonation and other suicide methods to avoid capture.
During his address to Russian officials and families of the deceased at the memorial dedication ceremony, Kim referred to these soldiers as “heroes,” according to Monday’s report from North Korea’s state news agency KCNA.
“It is not only the heroes who unhesitatingly chose the path of self-destruction and suicide to defend great honor, but also those who fell while charging at the forefront of assault battles,” Kim stated.
The North Korean leader also praised surviving soldiers, saying: “Those who writhed in frustration at failing to fulfil their duty as soldiers rather than suffering the agony of their bodies being torn apart by bullets and shells — these too can be called the party’s loyal warriors and patriots.”
South Korean intelligence agencies report that in exchange for providing military personnel and weapons to Russia, North Korea has received economic aid and advanced military technology from Moscow.
