North Korea builds memorial for Ukraine war fallen

North Korea has commenced construction on a memorial dedicated to its soldiers who have perished while fighting in Russia’s war in Ukraine, as reported by state media. The initiative coincides with leader Kim Jong-un’s declaration of a “historic peak” in relations between Pyongyang and Moscow.

The structure, to be named the Memorial Museum of Combat Feats, will be located in the capital, Pyongyang. A groundbreaking ceremony for the museum was attended by Kim and Russia’s ambassador to North Korea, as detailed by the Korean Central News Agency on Thursday.

At the ceremony, Kim described the museum as a “sacred sanctuary dedicated to the immortality of true patriots.” North Korea, a nation known for its isolation, has emerged as a significant ally for Russia since the latter’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Pyongyang is understood to have supplied thousands of soldiers and substantial quantities of weaponry to aid Moscow’s efforts.

Estimates from South Korea suggest that at least 600 North Korean soldiers have been killed and thousands more injured in the conflict.

Kim, in statements relayed by KCNA, indicated that North Korean troops had been stationed in Russia’s Kursk region for a year and lauded their contribution to Russia’s “decisive victory.” He asserted that “Our heroes destroyed the fiendish neo-Nazi invaders with their staunch spirit not to tolerate any aggression but to annihilate the aggressors.” Kim further emphasized that the relationship between North Korea and Russia is “now rising to its historic peak.”

The memorial is planned to include sculptures honoring the North Korean soldiers who fought in Russia, alongside photographs and artwork depicting their combat experiences.

The ceremony on Thursday was attended by the Russian ambassador, Aleksandr Matsegora, other officials from the Russian embassy, and several North Korean government and military figures. Families of soldiers who lost their lives in Russia were also present.

Last year, Russia and North Korea formalized a strategic partnership agreement, which includes a commitment to provide mutual “military and other assistance” in the event of an attack on either nation. Meanwhile, an art exhibition in Moscow has been held to celebrate ties with Pyongyang, featuring depictions of North Korean soldiers alongside their Russian counterparts resisting what is portrayed as a hostile West.