Kim Jong-un backs Russia and says he will win the "holy war" as North Korean soldiers die more than 2,200
Quick Look
- In reply to Putin's congratulatory message, Kim Jong-un stated that North Korea will expand cooperation with Russia in all aspects and is convinced that Russia can win in what he calls "a holy war to defend national security interests and international justice." Although North Korea has sent troops to support the Russian army in combat, and more than 2,200 North Korean soldiers are reported to have been killed in Russia, Kim Jong-un continues to express support for Russia.
- He also responded to Xi Jinping's congratulatory letter, saying that he would develop traditional friendship with China and promote the common socialist cause.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
The Russia-Ukraine war has lasted for more than four years since it broke out in 2022. In addition to providing military assistance such as weapons and ammunition, North Korea also dispatched soldiers to assist the Russian army in combat. Relations between the two sides have been continuously consolidated through high-level exchanges of visits and exchanges of congratulatory letters. North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has publicly expressed support for Russia on many occasions.
The picture shows Kim Jong-un (right) and Putin (left) shaking hands. (File photo, Reuters)
The Russia-Ukraine war has lasted for more than four years. North Korea has not only provided military aid to Russia, but also sent troops to assist the Russian army in fighting. It is said that more than 2,200 North Korean soldiers have died in the war. However, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un continued to express his support for Russia on Monday and declared that he would help Russia win this "holy war".
"Reuters" quoted North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) as saying that North Korean leader Kim Jong-un responded to Russian President Vladimir Putin's congratulatory message on the 78th anniversary of the founding of North Korea on Monday, saying that North Korea has a firm intention to expand cooperation with Russia in "all directions" based on friendship, mutual assistance and the alliance between the two countries. Kim Jong-un also stated that he is convinced that Russia can win this "holy war to defend national security interests and international justice" and promised to give Putin and the Russian people "consistent support."
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But the irony is that Kim Jong-un's support for Russia is backed by the blood of countless North Korean soldiers. According to a report from Japan's Sankei Shimbun quoted by South Korea's Chosun Ilbo, North Korea built the "Overseas Military Combat Meritorious Service Memorial Hall" in April to commemorate its dispatch of troops to Russia. According to the museum's public records, 2,288 North Korean soldiers died fighting in Russia. South Korea's National Intelligence Service estimated in September last year that the number of North Korean soldiers killed was also about 2,000, and the two estimates are similar.
The "Reuters" report mentioned that Kim Jong-un also responded to the congratulatory message from Chinese President Xi Jinping, saying that North Korea will work together with China to further develop the traditional friendship between the two sides and promote the common socialist cause.
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What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
North Korea will continue to provide military support to Russia, including weapons and manpower
Likely · Within months
South Korea and the United States will strengthen monitoring and intelligence sharing of North Korea’s military movements
Very likely · Within weeks
Open Questions
- Will the specific mission and casualty details of North Korea's troops sent to Russia be further disclosed?
- Does China know about and acquiesce in North Korea's military intervention against Russia?
- What is the status of compensation and family arrangements for North Korean soldiers killed in action?
