Kim Jong Un Praises Soldiers Who Killed Themselves to Avoid Capture in Ukraine War

Kim Jong Un has praised North Korean soldiers who killed themselves to avoid capture while fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine. He delivered the remarks during a speech this week in Pyongyang. Kim Jong Un described their actions as heroic and tied them to national honour.

Kim Jong Un spoke at a memorial ceremony for North Korean troops who died in the Ukraine war. Senior Russian officials attended the event. They included Defence Minister Andrey Belousov and Vyacheslav Volodin, who leads Russia’s parliament. This showed closer military cooperation between Pyongyang and Moscow.

Kim Jong Un praised the soldiers for their loyalty. He said they chose self-blasting and suicide attacks rather than surrender. Kim Jong Un added that they protected the honour of the state through sacrifice. Kim Jong Un described their commitment as the highest form of duty.

South Korean intelligence reports say about 15000 North Korean troops went to support Russian operations in the Kursk region. They say more than 6000 may have died. However, Russia and North Korea have not confirmed these numbers. These figures remain disputed.

Defectors and intelligence agencies say North Korean soldiers train under strict rules. They say soldiers receive orders to avoid capture at all costs. They also say capture equals betrayal of the state. As a result some soldiers carry grenades for self destruction if capture seems likely.

Reports now suggest that troops use self detonation in extreme situations. Kim Jong Un’s remarks appear to support these claims. He praised soldiers who chose death rather than surrender. He also honoured those who failed to complete missions but still died in service.

South Korea’s intelligence service earlier reported written notes from deceased soldiers. These notes suggested strong strict orders to avoid capture. This added weight to claims of enforced suicide tactics among deployed units.

South Korean broadcaster MBC aired footage earlier this year. It showed testimony from two captured North Korean soldiers in Ukraine. One soldier said he regretted not killing himself during combat. He said others around him had blown themselves up.

The military ties between Pyongyang and Moscow continue to grow. In June 2024 Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un signed a mutual defence agreement. It promises support if either country faces attack. Kim Jong Un called it the strongest agreement between the two nations.

North Korea also agreed to send workers to Russia’s Kursk region. These workers will help rebuild areas affected by conflict. Analysts say this shows stronger cooperation between both sides.

Experts say this partnership raises concerns about treatment of soldiers. They also say it adds complexity to the war in Ukraine. Foreign troop involvement increases attention on battlefield conduct.

Kim Jong Un’s latest remarks will likely increase scrutiny of North Korea’s military practices. They also highlight its role in supporting Russia during the war.

International observers continue to monitor the reports closely. Many analysts say the use of foreign troops in active combat raises serious concerns about soldier welfare. They also note that claims of self destruction tactics require independent verification.

Several governments have called for more transparency on troop deployment and battlefield conduct. However North Korea and Russia continue to release limited information about their joint military activities.

The latest comments from Kim Jong Un are likely to increase attention on North Korea’s role in the Ukraine conflict. They also highlight concerns about how soldiers are trained and deployed. As the war continues scrutiny of foreign involvement remains high.