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Kim Jong Un Backs Russia at Memorial for Fallen NK Troops

Published 27 April 2026

Pyongyang, North Korea – North Korean leader Kim Jong Un reaffirmed his country's unwavering support for Russia on Sunday during a ceremony unveiling a memorial complex honoring soldiers from Pyongyang who died fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine's Kursk region. The event, attended by a high-level Russian delegation including Defence Minister Andrei Belousov and parliamentary speaker Vyacheslav Volodin, underscored the deepening military alliance between the two nations amid Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine.

Kim stated that North Korea would continue to fully back Russia's efforts to defend its sovereignty, territorial integrity, and security interests, according to the Korean Central News Agency. He expressed confidence that the Russian army and people would achieve victory in what he described as their just cause. In a handwritten message at the memorial, Kim added that the souls of the fallen soldiers would live forever with the great honor they defended.

The ceremony featured a concert, fireworks, and an air force flyover, with state media portraying the event as a tribute to the troops' sacrifices in intense battles, including hand-to-hand combat and explosive...

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