North Korea opened the Memorial Museum of Combat Feats at the Overseas Military Operations in Pyongyang on April 26, honoring its troops killed while supporting Russia in Ukraine. Leader Kim Jong-un attended the ceremony, stressing stronger bilateral ties, alongside Russia's State Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin and Defense Minister Andrei Belousov. The event marked the first anniversary of Russia's recapture of the Kursk region.
The opening ceremony for the Memorial Museum of Combat Feats at the Overseas Military Operations took place in Pyongyang on April 26, 2026—the first anniversary of Russia's 'liberation' of the Kursk region from Ukrainian forces on April 26, 2025—according to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) and Russia's Tass agency. The museum culminates a project with groundbreaking in October 2025, multiple inspections by Kim Jong-un, including one on February 13, 2026, when he called for a 'sacred monument,' and construction completed ahead of the event.
Key attendees included North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, Russia's State Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin—who arrived on President Vladimir Putin's instructions—and Defense Minister Andrei Belousov. Volodin was greeted by Jo Yong-won, chairman of North Korea's Supreme People's Assembly, and met parliamentary colleagues.
In his speech, Kim described the museum as symbolizing commitment to bilateral ties, stating: "No matter how the rules of war change and whenever and wherever a crisis occurs, we should be strengthened into a sincere, dedicated and powerful bulwark with unified power." He highlighted the Kursk operation's 'strategic' importance in deterring 'fascism' and crushing 'hegemonic ambitions.'
Kim held separate meetings with Volodin and Belousov. Belousov informed Kim of Russia's readiness to sign a 'Russian-Korean military cooperation plan for the 2027-2031 period.' Volodin conveyed Putin's congratulations on Kim's reelection and thanks for North Korea's 'fraternal support.'
North Korea has deployed around 15,000 troops and weapons to aid Russia since their June 2024 strategic partnership treaty, with South Korean intelligence estimating 6,000 North Korean casualties. The event underscores deepening military cooperation.
