Story perspectives

Kim Jong Un Praises Overseas Troops as Deaths Rise

9/10/2026

Summary

Story summary

Kim Jong Un praised commanders and troops fighting overseas during the 78th founding anniversary in Pyongyang.
KCNA said the gratitude applied to forces in overseas operations, understood as Ukraine war support.
Officials estimate North Korea has sent 14,000-15,000 troops to Russia since late 2024, with about 6,000 killed or wounded.
Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin sent Sept. 9 messages reaffirming close strategic ties with North Korea.

History

Historical Context

In 1965, North Korea dispatched the first contingent of its People's Army to fight alongside North Vietnam during the Vietnam War, marking its inaugural overseas combat deployment. Kim Il-sung praised the 2,000 soldiers sent, noting that roughly 500 were killed or wounded, while the United States recorded 1,200 North Korean casualties. Today, Pyongyang’s celebration of 14,000-15,000 troops aiding Russia mirrors that Cold-War precedent, with Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin echoing the same strategic solidarity. The historical pattern suggests that overseas deployments reinforce regime legitimacy and deepen alliances, foreshadowing prolonged involvement and heightened regional tensions.

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Story summary

Kim Jong Un praised commanders and troops fighting overseas during the 78th founding anniversary in Pyongyang.
KCNA said the gratitude applied to forces in overseas operations, understood as Ukraine war support.
Officials estimate North Korea has sent 14,000-15,000 troops to Russia since late 2024, with about 6,000 killed or wounded.
Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin sent Sept. 9 messages reaffirming close strategic ties with North Korea.

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