North Korean leader praises the courage of his soldiers fighting for Russia
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un praised the unparalleled courage of his country’s soldiers fighting alongside Russian forces against Ukraine during a visit to a memorial being built for the victims of that war, the Korean Central News Agency reported.
“The unparalleled courage and heroism shown by the soldiers of the Korean People’s Army who take part in foreign military operations should be etched in history as a symbol of invincible strength,” Kim said Friday while inspecting the site.
From his part, Russia’s ambassador to North Korea attended the groundbreaking ceremony of the Combat Legends Memorial Museum in October, when Kim said relations with Moscow had reached a historic peak.
The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) report on Saturday made no mention of Russia, but earlier this week, Kim Jong Un pledged unconditional support for all of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s policies and decisions.
North Korea has strengthened its ties with Moscow since its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
According to South Korean and Western intelligence agencies, North Korea has sent thousands of troops to support Russia’s in the war in Ukraine.
South Korea estimates that 600 of them were killed and thousands more were injured.
Analysts say North Korea is receiving financial aid, military technology, food supplies and energy from Russia in return.
