North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has publicly acknowledged that his country’s soldiers adhere to a self-destruct protocol during the conflict in Ukraine. This revelation came during Kim’s speech at the opening of a museum honoring North Korean soldiers who lost their lives in the war. Kim commended the soldiers for their “exceptional heroism” in choosing self-sacrifice over capture.
North Korea is one of the few nations that have dispatched troops to Ukraine, following an agreement between Kim and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Approximately 15,000 North Korean soldiers have been sent to the frontlines, engaging in combat operations, including the recapture of territories in the Kursk region. South Korean intelligence estimates that around 2,000 North Korean soldiers have perished in the conflict.
A commemorative event for the fallen soldiers was held in Pyongyang, attended by Kim and Russian Defense Minister Andrey Belousov. North Korean troops deployed in Russia have demonstrated unwavering loyalty to Kim, participating in mine-clearing operations. Kim has been seen embracing returning soldiers, some of whom were injured in the line of duty, emphasizing their bravery and sacrifice.
Kim has lauded the war in Ukraine as a testament to the strong ties between North Korea and Russia, describing it as a “sacred battle” against Ukrainian forces. Discussions have been held between Kim and Belousov regarding a military cooperation agreement spanning from 2027 to 2031. Meanwhile, amid the European conflict, North Korea has conducted live weapons tests alongside an expanded missile testing program.