Additional Coverage:
- Kim Jong Un acknowledges deaths of 100 North Korean soldiers he sent to fight for Vladimir Putin (foxnews.com)
North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un Publicly Acknowledges Troop Losses in Ukraine
In a somber ceremony honoring fallen North Korean soldiers who fought alongside Russian forces, Kim Jong Un appeared to acknowledge significant troop losses for the first time. The event, attended by families of the deceased, saw a visibly emotional Kim interacting with children and honoring the soldiers as “heroes.”
While Kim had previously confirmed sending troops to Russia’s Kursk region and acknowledged some deaths, this ceremony marks the first public recognition of losses beyond a small number. Although the exact figures remain undisclosed, the event suggests a more substantial impact than previously indicated.
Kim’s address, as reported by East2West news service, emphasized the “power” and “fighting spirit” of the North Korean army, citing their contribution to the “liberation of Kursk.” This comes as fighting continues in the region, with Ukrainian forces engaging Russian troops and targeting key infrastructure like the Novoshakhtinsky Oil Refinery.
South Korean intelligence estimates as many as 4,700 North Korean casualties out of the approximately 15,000 troops initially deployed. Later reports indicate up to 12,000 troops were sent to Kursk in late 2024, with an additional 3,000 arriving in early 2025. The current number of North Korean troops remaining in the region is unknown.
Kim’s remarks about the “victorious conclusion of overseas military operations” suggest a potential end to North Korea’s involvement in the conflict. However, it remains unclear whether this signals the imminent return of deployed troops.