Kim Jong-un praised North Korean soldiers for blowing themselves up in the war in Ukraine rather than being taken prisoner

This is according to Bloomberg.

During a speech at an event in Pyongyang, Kim Jong-un twice mentioned the soldiers who blew themselves up.

“Heroes who, without hesitation, chose suicide, a suicide attack, to protect the great honour. They expected no compensation, even though they performed outstanding feats. They died a heroic death,” said the North Korean leader.

Thousands of soldiers and weapons for Russia

Bloomberg noted that in 2024, Kim Jong-un signed a military pact with Russian dictator Vladimir Putin, which included provisions on mutual defence.

Since then, South Korean and Western intelligence agencies have estimated that Pyongyang has sent at least 10,000 soldiers and tens of thousands of containers of weapons to assist Russia in the war. It is believed that North Korea has suffered heavy losses, with thousands of people killed in combat.

Kim Jong-un’s statement came following reports that North Korean soldiers captured by Ukraine were forced to commit suicide to avoid captivity.

It should be recalled that the first reports of North Korean troops being sent to Russia emerged in October 2024. The Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ukrainian Ministry of Defence and South Korean intelligence recorded the transfer of the first 1,500 soldiers, who were subsequently deployed to the Kursk region.

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