North Korea leader salutes 'overseas' troops

North Korea's leader, Kim Jong Un, paid tribute to troops engaged in overseas military operations during a speech commemorating the country's founding anniversary, according to state media. This acknowledgment came amid North Korea's close alliance with Russia since Moscow's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Analysts suggest that Pyongyang has provided Russia with military assistance, including troops, in exchange for economic gains and advanced weaponry.

During his address on the 78th anniversary of North Korea's founding on September 9, 1948, Kim expressed his gratitude to both domestic and overseas soldiers, emphasizing the importance of patriotism, voluntary service, and the dedication of all citizens to the nation's prosperity. Based on South Korean estimates, approximately 2,000 North Korean soldiers have lost their lives in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

In August, Ukraine alleged that Russia had deployed North Korean ballistic missiles, resulting in at least nine deaths and dozens of injuries. Additionally, Kyiv claimed that up to 50,000 North Korean troops are expected to join Russia, although no concrete evidence or timeline has been provided to substantiate these claims. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy requested air defense systems from South Korea to counter Russian missile threats, a plea that has yet to be fulfilled.