North Korean authorities are preparing a funeral ceremony for soldiers who died fighting alongside Russia in Ukraine. They will also open a new museum to honor these soldiers' sacrifices in mid-April. Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un personally visited the site to inspect the preparations.
According to a report today (3 Apr) from the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), North Korea plans to hold a funeral this month for soldiers who died while serving abroad alongside Russia's forces in the war against Ukraine.
Previously, North Korea sent thousands of soldiers, along with missiles and various military equipment, to support Russia's war effort in Ukraine. South Korean authorities estimate that over 2,000 North Korean soldiers have died in this conflict.
Analysts believe that in return for assisting Russian forces, North Korea receives financial aid, military technology, food, and energy supplies such as natural gas and oil from Russia. This support helps North Korea evade the impact of international sanctions, which mainly aim to pressure the country to halt nuclear weapons development. Currently, North Korea is rapidly constructing a museum honoring the fallen soldiers, with the project over 97% complete.
KCNA reported that the solemn funeral for the fallen heroes will be held in mid-April, coinciding with the official opening of the museum. This event marks the first anniversary of the completion of the liberation operation of Kursk city.
Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un personally visited the museum site to review final project details, including the placement of sculptures and symbolic memorials. He also praised the significant progress made on the project.
He described the museum as a “monument of the era” reflecting the great heroism of the soldiers and an important center for fostering patriotic consciousness. North Korean authorities confirmed last April that they had sent troops to assist Russia in Ukraine and that soldiers had indeed died in combat. Since then, Kim Jong Un has held several ceremonies honoring the deceased soldiers.
At a ceremony last year, KCNA images showed Kim Jong Un embracing soldiers returning to North Korea with a sorrowful expression, while the soldier appeared deeply moved, resting his head on the leader’s chest.
There are also images of Kim Jong Un kneeling before photographs of fallen soldiers to pay respects, placing medals of honor and flowers beside their portraits.
In early July last year, photos were released showing Kim Jong Un performing a heartfelt ceremony honoring coffins of soldiers repatriated to their homeland, demonstrating profound grief.