North Korea releases first-ever photos of troops fighting against Ukraine

Yonhap reported the information.

The photographs were shown as a backdrop at a joint event between Pyongyang and Moscow marking the first anniversary of the signing of the “comprehensive partnership” agreement.

In one of the images, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is seen placing the DPRK flag on a coffin during the reception of the repatriated bodies of his soldiers.

At the same time, these photos were shown after the broadcast of joint images of Russian and North Korean military personnel, as well as a bloodstained notebook belonging to a DPRK soldier, which was found on the battlefield in the Kursk region.

“The decisive moment has finally come. Let us bravely fight this sacred battle with the boundless love and trust bestowed upon us by our beloved Supreme Commander,” was written in the notebook. 

In the published footage, Kim was dressed in winter clothing. Because of this, it is assumed that the remains of DPRK soldiers began to be returned last winter.

Meanwhile, Hong Min, a senior research fellow at the Korea Institute for National Unification, believes that Pyongyang sought to present its soldiers not as victims, but as part of a “victory narrative.”

“The footage appears to have been released after the two countries acknowledged the troop deployment and declared the Kursk operation a success,” he added.

• On June 27, it was reported that North Korea may send additional troops to Russia to participate in the war against Ukraine in July or August. In addition, the DPRK continues to supply Moscow with weapons.