Kim Jong Un weeps for North Korean soldiers lost in Ukraine conflict

In North Korea, a ceremony took place to honor soldiers who died while fighting for Russia in the ongoing war in Ukraine. On June 29, 2025, Kim Jong Un appeared visibly emotional as footage of battlefield events and the caskets of fallen soldiers were displayed at the East Pyongyang Grand Theatre. This event marked the anniversary of a military treaty signed between North Korea and Russia, emphasizing their growing military alliance. State media broadcasts showed Kim placing North Korean flags over the coffins, signaling a rare public acknowledgment of combat losses from Pyongyang. The ceremony included photos of the North Korean soldiers and their Russian counterparts, reinforcing a narrative that promotes their heroic efforts during the ongoing conflict. Reportedly, over 6,000 North Korean soldiers have been killed or injured while assisting the Russian forces since their deployment in the Ukraine war, an action that had been publicly denied for months prior to the confirmation in April 2025. This admission reflects an inclination among North Korean leaders to openly share involvement in international conflicts, which had been historically suppressed in domestic propaganda. The state-sanctioned event was attended not only by Kim but also by top officials like Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui and prominent figures from the Russian government, symbolizing the strengthening of ties between Pyongyang and Moscow amid their mutual interests. Public reaction in North Korea appears to be mixed, as authorities indicate there was some agitation among the populace about sacrificing their youth for a conflict that largely remains unexplained to them. Thus, this event could also be aimed at consolidating internal unity and legitimizing the regime's military decisions. Moreover, experts suggest that showcasing Kim's grief serves not only to build a narrative of sacrifice but also to reinforce diplomatic demands from Russia in light of the contributions made by North Korean troops. Analysis indicates that the North Korean leadership may be leveraging these images to signify their commitment to supporting Russia, possibly seeking reciprocal benefits for their military cooperation in subsequent engagements. Overall, recognizing the fallen soldiers offers an avenue for Kim Jong Un to manage both external alliances and domestic public sentiment as North Korea navigates its role in ongoing international conflicts.