North Korea’s Kim thanks troops on overseas operations
The North Korean leader was likely referring to troops deployed for Russia's war in Ukraine in his speech marking the 78th anniversary of the country's founding.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un honored troops engaged in overseas military operations on the 78th anniversary of the country's founding, according to state media KCNA. In his speech at Pyongyang's assembly hall, Kim expressed gratitude and respect towards commanders and soldiers participating in these operations, likely referring to North Korean forces supporting Russia in its war in Ukraine.
South Korean officials estimate that North Korea has sent between 14,000 and 15,000 troops to fight alongside Russian forces since late 2024. In February 2026, the South Korean National Intelligence Service estimated that around 6,000 North Korean soldiers had been killed or wounded during this deployment. Despite ongoing preparations for another troop deployment to Russia, no imminent signs of such a move were observed as of late August 2026, according to South Korea's defence ministry.
In exchange for North Korea's military contributions and munitions, the country has received economic and military technology assistance from Russia, as per South Korean intelligence assessments.
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- North Korea’s Kim thanks troops on overseas operations freemalaysiatoday.com
- NK leader thanks troops in overseas military operations, calls for patriotism on founding anniversary koreatimes.co.kr
- N.K. leader thanks troops in overseas military operations, calls for patriotism on founding anniv. en.yna.co.kr
