North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has publicly acknowledged the implementation of a self-destruct strategy by his country’s soldiers in the conflict in Ukraine. This revelation was made during his speech at the opening of a memorial museum honoring North Korean soldiers who perished in the ongoing war. Kim commended the soldiers for their “exceptional heroism” in choosing self-sacrifice through suicide attacks over capture.
North Korea is one of the few nations to have dispatched troops to the Ukrainian frontlines, following an agreement between Kim and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Approximately 15,000 North Korean soldiers have been sent to participate in combat operations, including engagements in the Kursk region, as reported by South Korean intelligence. It is estimated that around 2,000 North Korean soldiers have lost their lives in the conflict.
In a recent ceremony in Pyongyang attended by Kim and Russian Defense Minister Andrey Belousov, a memorial was unveiled to honor the fallen soldiers. These North Korean troops deployed to Russia have demonstrated unwavering loyalty to Kim, assisting in mine removal efforts. Kim has been observed embracing returning soldiers, some of whom returned with severe injuries. Last year, Kim posthumously honored nine soldiers with the title of Hero of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea for their valor in Kursk.
Kim has described the conflict in Ukraine as a “new chapter of camaraderie with Russia written in blood” and a “sacred battle against Ukrainian aggressors.” Discussions between Kim and Belousov have included plans for a military cooperation agreement spanning from 2027 to 2031. Meanwhile, amidst the European conflict, North Korea has conducted live weapons tests and expanded its missile testing program.
As the situation unfolds in Europe, North Korea has seized the opportunity to conduct military exercises and missile trials.
