"I've given much thought to the relatives of the fallen soldiers who weren't invited to the previous event. Therefore, I arranged this meeting because I wanted to meet and comfort the families of all the heroes, and to soothe everyone's pain, even just a little," North Korean leader Kim Jong-un said during a meeting with the families of soldiers killed in Russia on 29/8.
It's unclear how many people were invited to this event. Last week, Kim only met with some families during a ceremony awarding medals to North Korean soldiers killed while fighting in Russia's Kursk province.
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Leader Kim Jong-un speaks at a meeting with families of North Korean soldiers killed while fighting in Russia, 29/8. Photo: KCNA |
Leader Kim Jong-un speaks at a meeting with families of North Korean soldiers killed while fighting in Russia, 29/8. Photo: KCNA
The North Korean leader pledged to erect a monument to the fallen soldiers in the capital, Pyongyang, and to build a new road for the families of the deceased soldiers. The government also pledged comprehensive support for the children of these soldiers.
"My heart breaks even more when I see these children," Kim Jong-un said, adding that he, the government, and the North Korean military will take full responsibility and "train them to become strong and courageous warriors like their fathers."
After Ukraine launched an offensive in Russia's Kursk province in August 2024, North Korea sent forces to support Russia and helped Moscow completely liberate the region by the end of April. It is unclear how many soldiers Pyongyang deployed to Kursk, but South Korea estimates the number to be over 10,000.
In May, Kim Jong-un stated that sending troops to fight in Kursk was "justified and an exercise of sovereign rights to protect a brother nation". In late June, he paid his respects to the soldiers killed in Kursk, draping their coffins with flags and placing his hand upon them.
During a phone call with Kim on 12/8, Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed gratitude for the "sacrificing spirit of the North Korean soldiers," affirming that their actions demonstrated courage and heroism.
Ngoc Anh (AFP)
