Southwala Shorts
- North Korea’s leader Kim Jong Un has paid tribute to his soldiers killed while fighting in the war in Ukraine.
- In a ceremony that drew nationwide attention, Kim referred to the dead troops as heroes, saying they sacrificed their lives for what he described as...
- The event was held in Pyongyang, where walls were lined with framed photographs of the fallen soldiers.
- Kim Jong Un was seen bowing his head in respect before the portraits.
North Korea’s leader Kim Jong Un has paid tribute to his soldiers killed while fighting in the war in Ukraine. In a ceremony that drew nationwide attention, Kim referred to the dead troops as heroes, saying they sacrificed their lives for what he described as a “righteous and historic cause.”
Ceremony in Pyongyang
The event was held in Pyongyang, where walls were lined with framed photographs of the fallen soldiers. Kim Jong Un was seen bowing his head in respect before the portraits. According to state media, the ceremony was designed to recognize the contribution of North Korean forces who were sent to support Russia in its ongoing war with Ukraine.
Framing the Conflict as ‘Heroic’
In his speech, Kim praised the soldiers for showing “unmatched courage” and for standing against what he called foreign aggression. By calling the conflict a “heroic war,” he sought to portray North Korea’s involvement as part of a broader struggle against Western influence. Analysts note that this language fits North Korea’s long-standing narrative of resistance against the United States and its allies.
The tribute comes at a time when ties between Pyongyang and Moscow have grown closer. North Korea has openly backed Russia since the start of the Ukraine conflict, and reports suggest that Pyongyang has provided both manpower and equipment. This public acknowledgment of troop losses is unusual for North Korea, a country that often hides military casualties. It indicates that the leadership wants to frame the sacrifices as part of national pride and loyalty to its allies.
The ceremony also serves as a signal to North Korea’s domestic audience, reminding citizens of their leader’s commitment to global struggles. For the international community, however, the tribute highlights the extent to which North Korea has involved itself in the Ukraine war as an involvement that is likely to invite further criticism and sanctions.
Discover more from Southwala
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

