Kim Jong Un Praises Suicidal Troops in Kursk Speech

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un praised soldiers who committed suicide rather than face capture while fighting alongside Russian forces in Russia's Kursk region, describing them as heroes in a speech at a new memorial in Pyongyang. The remarks, published by state media KCNA, confirmed reports of an extreme no-capture policy among the estimated 14,000 North Korean troops deployed there starting late last year.

South Korean, Ukrainian and Western officials estimate the troops suffered heavy casualties, with more than 6,000 killed during efforts to dislodge Ukrainian forces from the area. Intelligence reports, defector testimonies and battlefield accounts indicate North Korean soldiers resorted to self-detonation or other suicide methods to avoid capture. Only two have been taken alive by Ukrainian forces, both currently held in Ukraine.

Kim made the comments Sunday during a completion ceremony for the memorial, attended by Russian officials and families of the fallen. Addressing the sacrifices, he said, "It is not only the heroes who unhesitatingly chose the path of self-destruction and suicide to defend great honor, but also those who fell while charging at the forefront of...