North Korean leader Kim Jong Un publicly honored soldiers killed while fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine during a solemn repatriation ceremony in Pyongyang. State media broadcast images of Kim draping national flags over at least six coffins, pausing with both hands resting on them in a show of respect. The ceremony, attended by Russian Culture Minister Olga Lyubimova, formed part of events commemorating the first anniversary of the landmark strategic partnership treaty signed with Moscow. Kim appeared visibly moved during the tribute, while audience members wiped away tears.
The emotional ceremony occurred during a joint cultural gala celebrating the June 2024 mutual defense pact between Kim and Russian President Vladimir Putin. North Korea’s KCNA praised the “genuine internationalist obligation between the peoples and armies of the two countries forged at the cost of blood.” Broadcast footage juxtaposed images of Russian and North Korean soldiers waving flags with patriotic messages alongside the coffin-draping ritual. Analysts note the winter clothing worn by attendees suggests the remains repatriation occurred months earlier, with footage strategically released to align with the victory narrative around Russia’s Kursk offensive.
North Korea has deployed approximately 12,000 troops to support Russia’s operations since October 2024, with soldiers integrated into Russian units under Moscow’s command. These forces played a decisive role in reclaiming Russia’s Kursk region from Ukrainian forces, with both nations recently acknowledging their “heroic” contributions. Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu confirmed during a June 17 visit to Pyongyang that North Korea will dispatch an additional 6,000 personnel, including 1,000 combat engineers and 5,000 construction troops to assist with demining and rebuilding war-damaged areas.
The partnership delivers critical strategic advantages to both nations. Russia gains essential manpower and artillery. North Korea reportedly supplies over half of Russia’s artillery shells used in Ukraine alongside ballistic missiles. North Korea earns vital foreign currency (estimated $260 million annually), receives food aid, and acquires advanced military technology including air defense systems and satellite expertise. Joint military exercises provide North Korean soldiers with invaluable modern combat experience, particularly in drone warfare and electronic countermeasures.
The alliance, formalized under Article 4 of their treaty, obligates immediate military assistance if either faces armed attack, effectively reviving the Cold War-era mutual defense framework between Pyongyang and Moscow.