Kim Jong Un Applauds North Korean Soldiers Deployed in Russia-Ukraine War
August 21, 2025: North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has publicly lauded his country’s troops serving alongside Russian forces in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. According to the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), Kim offered "warm encouragement" to the soldiers and officers stationed in Russia's Kursk region—an area where intelligence reports estimate over 10,000 North Korean fighters have been deployed.
‘A Heroic Army Standing Firm’
During a recent meeting with military commanders in Pyongyang, Kim described the North Korean military as "heroic," emphasizing their commitment to fulfilling their duties. "Our army is now doing what it ought to do and what needs to be done," he remarked, affirming the troops will continue their mission in the future.
Increasing North Korea-Russia Military Cooperation
This endorsement from Kim comes amid escalating military cooperation between Pyongyang and Moscow. The two nations signed a mutual defense pact last year, signaling deepening strategic ties. In April 2025, North Korea officially confirmed it had sent troops to the battlefield in Ukraine alongside Russian forces for the first time, marking a significant shift in its foreign military engagement.
On-the-Ground Realities and Human Cost
Western and South Korean intelligence agencies estimate that more than 10,000 North Korean soldiers have been deployed in the Kursk region throughout 2024, supplemented by artillery, missiles, and long-range rocket systems provided by Pyongyang. Tragically, reports indicate around 600 of these soldiers have died in combat, with thousands more wounded—a sobering figure rarely highlighted in global coverage of the war.
Diplomatic Context and Ongoing Peace Efforts
Kim's commendation coincides with renewed—but thus far unsuccessful—diplomatic efforts to resolve the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Recently, former U.S. President Donald Trump has engaged both Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelensky in high-profile talks aimed at peace. However, Putin, who has also praised North Korean forces as "heroic," has notably resisted direct negotiations with Zelensky.
Geopolitical & Strategic Implications
- North Korea’s Role on the Global Stage: Traditionally isolated, North Korea’s active military involvement marks a strategic pivot, signaling its intent to assert influence beyond the Korean Peninsula.
- U.S. and Allied Concerns: The deployment raises questions about proliferation of weaponry and personnel, potentially altering the conflict's dynamics and complicating sanctions regimes.
- Human Rights and Soldier Welfare: The human cost for North Korean soldiers underscores the opaque nature of Pyongyang’s military operations and their domestic narrative management.
What Lies Ahead?
As the Russia-Ukraine war continues to draw global attention, North Korea's increasing footprint reflects broader shifts in international alliances and military strategies. Analysts caution that this development may further entrench divisions and extend the conflict’s timeline.
Expert Perspective
Dr. Emily Kwon, a specialist in East Asian geopolitics, notes, "North Korea’s frontline involvement is not just a show of solidarity with Russia but a calculated move to strengthen its bargaining power on the world stage, possibly seeking economic or diplomatic concessions amidst tightening sanctions." She adds, "The human toll on these soldiers is an often overlooked tragedy that should inform international policy discussions going forward."
