Kim Jong Un has met the families of soldiers killed fighting for Russia against Ukraine, expressing his 'deep condolences', North Korean state media says. In a special ceremony held on Friday, the North Korean leader was seen comforting bereaved families and presenting them portraits of their dead loved ones wrapped in the East Asian nation's flag.
South Korea believes the North has sent approximately 15,000 troops to aid Russia in its invasion, which has resulted in unfortunate casualties. North Korea admitted its role in the conflict in April, acknowledging that some of its soldiers had been killed.
In January, Western officials indicated that at least 1,000 North Korean troops had perished within three months, although more recent estimates have suggested a closer figure of 600. At the event, Kim expressed sorrow over the deaths and pledged assistance to the children of the fallen soldiers. He indicated plans to build a monument in their honor and expressed his desire to console the families of those who sacrificed their lives.
Kim is also scheduled to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in China next week, indicating the deepening cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang as they navigate complex geopolitical relations.
South Korea believes the North has sent approximately 15,000 troops to aid Russia in its invasion, which has resulted in unfortunate casualties. North Korea admitted its role in the conflict in April, acknowledging that some of its soldiers had been killed.
In January, Western officials indicated that at least 1,000 North Korean troops had perished within three months, although more recent estimates have suggested a closer figure of 600. At the event, Kim expressed sorrow over the deaths and pledged assistance to the children of the fallen soldiers. He indicated plans to build a monument in their honor and expressed his desire to console the families of those who sacrificed their lives.
Kim is also scheduled to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in China next week, indicating the deepening cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang as they navigate complex geopolitical relations.
