North Korea builds Ukraine war soldier memorial

North Korea is constructing a memorial in its capital, Pyongyang, to honor its soldiers who have died fighting in Russia’s war in Ukraine. The groundbreaking ceremony for the “Memorial Museum of Combat Feats” was attended by North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and Russia’s ambassador to the country.

Kim Jong-un described the planned museum as a “sacred sanctuary” dedicated to the memory of fallen soldiers, whom he referred to as “true patriots.” He stated that North Korean troops had been in Russia’s Kursk region for a year, contributing to what he called a “decisive victory” for Russia. Kim praised the soldiers for their role in combating “fiendish neo-Nazi invaders.”

According to estimates from South Korea, at least 600 North Korean soldiers have been killed and thousands more have been wounded while fighting alongside Russian forces. North Korea has become a significant ally to Russia since the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, reportedly sending both personnel and weaponry to support Moscow’s efforts.

The memorial is expected to include sculptures, photographs, and artwork depicting the combat experiences of the North Korean soldiers. The ceremony was attended by various North Korean government and military officials, as well as families of the deceased soldiers, alongside Russian embassy representatives.

The burgeoning relationship between North Korea and Russia has been highlighted by Kim Jong-un, who declared that ties between the two nations are reaching a “historic peak.” This collaboration was further solidified last year with a strategic partnership agreement obligating mutual military and other assistance in case of attack. Meanwhile, an art exhibition in Moscow has celebrated this strengthened bond, featuring depictions of North Korean and Russian soldiers resisting a perceived hostile West.

– Sarah Jenkins (Jenkins.S@theseouljournal.com)