North Korean leader Kim Jong Un appeared visibly emotional during a ceremony honouring North Korean soldiers who died while fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine. The event, held on Sunday (29 June) at the East Pyongyang Grand Theatre, marked the first anniversary of a military cooperation pact between Pyongyang and Moscow. During the proceedings, a montage of battlefield footage and photographs was broadcast, including images of Kim standing solemnly before flag-draped coffins.
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In video aired by North Korea’s state-run KRT television, Kim is shown with tears in his eyes as the tribute played out before an audience of military officials and dignitaries.
According to the UK’s Ministry of Defence, over 6,000 North Korean troops have been killed or wounded while serving alongside Russian forces in the Kursk region. The MoD has not independently verified the numbers but cited intelligence reports indicating North Korea’s growing military involvement in the conflict.
While Pyongyang has denied sending combat personnel to the front lines, Western analysts have noted increased cooperation between North Korea and Russia in recent months, including arms transfers and joint military drills.
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The ceremony is likely to reinforce Kim’s commitment to the strategic alliance with President Vladimir Putin, as both countries face mounting international isolation.
