North Korean leader Kim Jong-un visited the construction site of a memorial for troops killed in Russia's war against Ukraine, participating in a tree-planting ceremony with senior officials. State media reported that Kim hailed their sacrifice as an 'eternal cornerstone' for the nation. Accompanied by his wife Ri Sol-ju and daughter Ju-ae, the event marks North Korea's first museum honoring soldiers killed overseas.
On Monday, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un visited the construction site of the Memorial Museum of Combat Feats at the Overseas Military Operations in Pyongyang. According to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), Kim presided over a tree-planting ceremony, digging the first shovelful of earth alongside his daughter Ju-ae. His wife, Ri Sol-ju, also accompanied him.
Kim described the sacrifice of the North Korean troops as "the solid root and eternal cornerstone supporting the mightiness of the motherly DPRK," KCNA reported. DPRK refers to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, North Korea's official name.
In August last year, while awarding official commendations to soldiers dispatched to support Russia in the war, Kim announced plans to create a special street in Pyongyang commemorating their sacrifice. Construction of the museum began in October.
This marks the first time North Korea has built a museum honoring soldiers killed in overseas actions.
North Korea has deployed more than 10,000 troops and conventional weapons to aid Russia's war efforts in Ukraine, with thousands believed to have been killed in action. The event underscores Pyongyang's deepening military ties with Moscow.
