North Korea's Leader Kim Jong-un Comforts Relatives of Troops Lost in Battle for Russia, According to State News Agency KCNA
In a poignant display of emotion, North Korea's leader Kim Jong-un has been seen embracing and consoling soldiers returning from the conflict in Ukraine. The returned soldier, visibly overwhelmed, sought solace in Kim's chest during a public ceremony last week.
The event marked the honouring of North Korean soldiers who were primarily deployed to the Kursk region. According to estimates by South Korean and Western intelligence agencies, around 600 North Korean soldiers are believed to have lost their lives in the conflict.
North Korea confirmed in April that it had deployed troops to support Russia's war in Ukraine. In early July, state media showed Kim honouring flag-draped coffins, and he was seen kneeling before a portrait of a fallen soldier to pay his respects.
Kim delivered a speech to the families of the soldiers on Friday, pledging comprehensive support for the children of the deceased, including raising them to be admirable, steadfast, and brave fighters like their fathers. He also promised to erect a monument in Pyongyang honoring the killed soldiers and create a new street for the bereaved families.
The ceremony last week was not just a solemn occasion; it was also an opportunity to award honours to the soldiers. Kim met with the families of the soldiers during the event, placing medals and flowers beside images of the dead soldiers.
North Korea admitted that its soldiers had been killed in combat, with more than 10,000 soldiers reportedly sent to Russia in 2024. Kim Jong-un explicitly designated the state, himself, and the army as supporters responsible for the bereaved families of fallen soldiers.
The images of the emotional scenes were released by the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). Kim's gestures of empathy and commitment to the families of the fallen soldiers underscore his role as a leader during these challenging times.
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