North Korean leader Kim Jong Un presided over a welcoming ceremony for the 528th Regiment of Engineers of the Korean People’s Army (KPA), which returned from a 120-day deployment in Russia’s Kursk region. State news agency KCNA reported that Kim commended the unit’s officers and soldiers for their “heroic” actions and “mass heroism” during their mission, which was conducted in support of Russian military efforts amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
The regiment had been dispatched in early August to perform combat and engineering tasks, including military operations to assist Russia against Ukrainian advances. Notably, Russian Defense Ministry sources indicated that the North Korean troops played a critical role in repelling a significant Ukrainian incursion and are currently involved in mine-clearing actions in the area.
According to various sources, including South Korean and Western intelligence, North Korea sent approximately 14,000 soldiers to support Russia last year, with more than 6,000 reported casualties among these forces. In his address, Kim mourned the loss of nine soldiers during the mission, describing their sacrifices as a “heartrending loss.” In recognition of their bravery, he announced that the regiment would receive the prestigious Order of Freedom and Independence, and the fallen soldiers would be honored posthumously with the title of Hero of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.
The ceremony took place on Friday in Pyongyang, drawing senior military officials, party leaders, and the families of the soldiers, further emphasizing the regime’s focus on military valor and loyalty. Kim highlighted the unit’s success during combat conditions and underscored the significance of political indoctrination, discipline, and unity among the troops, declaring their performance a benchmark for the entire armed forces.
In recent months, North Korea has notably showcased its honor for troops involved in the conflict, with Kim previously praising them in meetings and participating in ceremonies celebrating their contributions, including the dignified repatriation of those who fell in service alongside Russian forces. This ongoing recognition reflects the strengthening ties between North Korea and Russia amid the geopolitical tensions surrounding the war in Ukraine.
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