Kim Jong-un Celebrates North Korean Troops in Support of Russia's War Efforts

In a New Year’s message, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un praised his troops deployed in support of Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine, referring to their efforts as forging an “invincible alliance” with Moscow. According to South Korean and Western intelligence agencies, North Korea has sent thousands of soldiers to assist Russian forces, with estimates indicating that at least 600 North Korean troops have died and many more have been injured during the conflict. Kim's address emphasized the importance of these soldiers, whom he described as fighting in an “alien land” and congratulated for their “heroic” defense of the nation’s honor.

EuronewsThe Straits TimesThe Guardian

Analysts suggest that North Korea's military support for Russia has provided significant economic benefits to Kim's regime, including financial aid, military technology, and essential supplies such as food and energy. This deepening alliance has allowed North Korea to resist diplomatic overtures from the United States and South Korea. Kim's remarks included a call for his troops to continue their efforts, hinting at potential further military actions abroad in the coming year.

RFI (Radio France Internationale)

In his New Year’s address, Kim stated, “Behind you are Pyongyang and Moscow,” reinforcing the solidarity between the two nations. He instructed his troops to fight “for the fraternal Russian people” and expressed his longing for them during the festive season. The North Korean leader's statements reflect a commitment to the mutual defense treaty signed in 2024, which formalized military cooperation between North Korea and Russia.

United Press International (UPI)

Despite the official narrative of camaraderie, reports from South Korean intelligence indicate a grim reality for North Korean soldiers on the battlefield. Accounts suggest that these troops have been ordered to commit suicide rather than be captured, highlighting the extreme measures taken to maintain loyalty and prevent defection. Two North Korean prisoners of war, captured by Ukraine, expressed a desire to defect to South Korea, indicating discontent among the ranks.

RFI (Radio France Internationale)

While South Korean estimates suggest that at least 600 North Korean troops have died, other sources indicate that the number could be as high as 6,000. This discrepancy underscores the challenges in obtaining accurate information from the conflict zones and raises questions about the true scale of North Korean military involvement.

The Straits Times

As North Korea continues to deepen its military ties with Russia, analysts will be closely monitoring the implications for regional stability and international relations. The potential for increased troop deployments and further military operations remains a significant concern, particularly as both nations navigate their respective geopolitical challenges.

Moscow Times

• “As the whole country is enveloped in a festive atmosphere of greeting the new year, I all the more miss you, who are fighting bravely on the battlefields in the alien land even at this moment,” — Kim Jong-un, North Korean Leader

The Guardian

• “We firmly believe that we are never alone and we think of those in South Korea as our own parents and siblings and have decided to go into their embrace,” — Letter from North Korean prisoners of war

Euronews