PYONGYANG- North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has praised soldiers who fought alongside Russian forces in Ukraine, saying those who chose death over capture demonstrated “ultimate loyalty” to the state, during the unveiling of a large bronze memorial sculpture in Pyongyang.
The ceremony, held at a newly completed memorial complex, featured a towering bronze artwork depicting North Korean and Russian soldiers in combat, honouring troops deployed in support of Moscow’s war effort in Ukraine.
According to state media, Kim hailed soldiers who “without hesitation chose self-detonation” or suicide attacks rather than risk being taken prisoner by Ukrainian forces, describing them as heroes who embodied the highest level of sacrifice.
The remarks mark one of the most explicit public acknowledgements by Pyongyang of battlefield tactics long reported by Ukrainian and Western intelligence sources, including claims that some North Korean troops were instructed to avoid capture at all costs.
The memorial comes amid deepening military cooperation between North Korea and Russia, with estimates suggesting thousands of North Korean troops have been deployed to support Russian operations in the conflict.
Analysts say the ceremony underscores Pyongyang’s growing willingness to publicly celebrate its role in the war, while also reinforcing internal messaging around loyalty, sacrifice, and ideological commitment.
The unveiling also highlights the expanding strategic alignment between Pyongyang and Moscow, which has grown significantly since 2024 amid ongoing global tensions.
