Kim Jong Un, North Korea’s leader, has offered a solemn promise to the families of soldiers who died fighting for Russia. He declared that these “martyrs” would ensure a “beautiful life” for their loved ones, praising their courage. The announcement aims to bring comfort, but it also lifts a veil on a significant military operation.
The state news agency, KCNA, reported Kim met with the grieving families. He shared his sorrow, saying he wished he could have saved their precious lives. Kim expressed deep gratitude to the families. He credited them for raising such “enduring, patriotic, and righteous” children. Their bravery, he suggested, came from the strength of their homes.
“Even though they didn’t write me a short letter, I believe they entrusted their beloved families and children to me,” Kim reportedly said. He then promised to personally ensure their lives would be well cared for. This emotional pledge followed a meeting meant to honor soldiers injured or killed in Russia’s Kursk region, a territory that borders Ukraine.
This public display of support comes after Kim and Russian President Vladimir Putin openly acknowledged a deal in April. They confirmed that North Korean soldiers would be sent to help Russia. However, new details from North Korean state television suggest the operation started much earlier. A 25-minute documentary, focused on a “Kursk liberation operation,” revealed Kim decided to send troops in August of last year. This was two months after he and Putin signed a mutual defense treaty, hinting at a deeper and longer-standing military partnership.
Source: Reuters