**Kim Jong-un Commemorates North Korean Troops in Ukraine with Somber Ceremony**

**The recent memorial in Pyongyang marks a significant moment as Kim Jong-un honors fallen soldiers and solidifies ties with Russia amidst ongoing conflict in Ukraine.**

In an unprecedented tribute, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un paid homage to troops who perished in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, an episode that has seen North Korea deepening military cooperation with Moscow. The event was broadcasted on state television, showcasing a somber Kim leaning over a coffin draped with the North Korean flag. His teenage daughter, Kim Ju-ae, attended alongside a Russian delegation, participating in performances that celebrated the first anniversary of a treaty of mutual defense between North Korea and Russia.

The ceremony served dual purposes: to commemorate the North Korean troops' contributions in the Ukrainian war and to mightily display Kim's efforts to enhance military ties with Russia. This marks a rare moment when North Korean citizens witnessed footage of their soldiers engaging in combat alongside Russian forces. According to varying intelligence estimates, around 14,000 to 15,000 North Korean troops have been dispatched to support Russia, with casualties reported at nearly 4,700, including around 600 fatalities.

The acknowledgment of these deployments by North Korea first came in April when officials promised a monument and floral tributes for the honored fallen. The recent broadcast included previously unseen images of North Korean soldiers fighting, adding a poignant backdrop to a performance where a singer declared that “the heroes will live on in our hearts forever.” With these events, Kim illustrates his determination not only to honor those who have fallen but also to fortify North Korea's pivotal role in international military dynamics.