Kim Jong Un: Meets again with families of soldiers killed in Kursk region

Kim Jong Un: Meets again with families of soldiers killed in Kursk region

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has once again met with the families of soldiers killed fighting for Russia in the Ukraine war, offering condolences and promising support. This meeting, the second reported this month, underscores Kim's commitment to honoring the fallen and their families [1][2][3].

According to state media, Kim hosted the families of the soldiers and expressed his "grief at having failed to save the precious lives" of those who sacrificed their lives for the country's honor. He pledged to build a monument in Pyongyang and name a new street for the bereaved families, while also promising full support for the children of deceased soldiers [1][3].

The meeting comes amid reports of significant North Korean military support for Russia. South Korean and Western intelligence agencies estimate that Kim sent over 10,000 soldiers to Russia in 2024, primarily to the Kursk region, along with North Korean-produced artillery shells, missiles, and long-range rocket systems [1][3]. The deployment has resulted in hundreds of casualties, with estimates ranging from 600 to 6,000 [1][3][4].

Kim is set to stand alongside Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese leader Xi Jinping at a military parade in Beijing next week, marking the surrender of Japan in World War II. This will be their third meeting in two years, further strengthening the military alliance between North Korea and Russia [1][3].

References:

[1] https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/8/30/north-koreas-kim-consoles-families-of-soldiers-killed-fighting-for-russia
[2] https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/east-asia/article/3323744/north-koreas-kim-says-his-heart-breaks-he-comforts-dead-soldiers-families
[3] https://www.marketscreener.com/news/north-korea-leader-kim-promises-beautiful-life-for-families-of-martyrs-killed-in-russia-ce7c50dddf8ff120
[4] https://www.independent.co.uk/tv/news/kim-jong-un-crying-north-korea-russia-video-b2812890.html