Kim Jong Un laid the memorial complex in Pyongyang in honor of North Korean military personnel who died fighting on the side of Russia. The North Korean leader called it a "historic peak" in relations with Moscow.
A ceremony for the laying of a memorial to North Korean soldiers who died in Russia's war against Ukraine took place in North Korea, the state news agency KCNA reported on Friday, October 24.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un called the event in Pyongyang a "historic peak" in relations with Russia and emphasized that "Pyongyang will always be with Moscow." According to him, the "museum of military exploits" will become a "sacred place dedicated to the immortality of true patriots."
The memorial will include sculptures of North Korean soldiers who participated in combat operations on Russian territory, as well as photographs and artworks dedicated to their exploits.
Mutual Defense Treaty Between the Russian Federation and North Korea
Kim Jong Un and Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a mutual defense treaty, which was ratified by North Korea in November 2024. The agreement obliges both parties to provide immediate military assistance "by all necessary means" in the event of aggression against either of them.
In April 2025, North Korea officially acknowledged that it had sent its soldiers to Russia, although rumors about this had been circulating long before. According to Ukraine, over 14,000 North Korean military personnel, including engineers and workers, were sent to the conflict zone.
Casualties of North Korean Military in the Kursk Region
According to estimates from South Korean intelligence announced in September, at least 2,000 North Korean soldiers died in the Kursk region of Russia, which borders Ukraine. This is significantly higher than in April, when around 600 fatalities were reported. The number of wounded is estimated to be substantially higher.
The ceremony for the laying of the memorial was attended by the Russian ambassador to North Korea and staff from the Russian embassy, KCNA notes.
