North Korea Dedicates Memorial to Soldiers Who Died Fighting for Russia in Ukraine

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un unveiled a memorial in Pyongyang for North Korean soldiers who died fighting on the side of Russia in its war with Ukraine on April 27, 2026. Kim Jong-un called the opening of the memorial a 'new history in the friendship with Russia written in blood,' according to The New York Times.

Kim Jong-un and a high-level Russian delegation attended the memorial event in Pyongyang.

Kim Jong-un embraced North Korean veterans of the war and Russian delegates at the memorial event. Kim Jong-un and Russian Defence Minister Andrey Belousov unveiled a memorial in Pyongyang for North Koreans who died fighting in the Ukraine war. Military jets flew overhead and white balloons were released into the air during the unveiling of the memorial in Pyongyang.

Kim Jong-un and Andrey Belousov unveiled a statue and opened a memorial museum in Pyongyang. The opening of the Memorial Museum of Combat Feats at the Overseas Military Operations occurred on Sunday. The memorial opening coincided with the first anniversary of Russia's recovery of parts of Kursk, according to Russia.

At least 15,000 North Korean soldiers have been sent to help Russia recapture parts of western Kursk, South Korean intelligence reported via BBC News. About 2,000 North Koreans have died in the Ukraine conflict, according to South Korean intelligence via BBC News.

Hundreds of North Korean soldiers have died in the fighting on the side of Russia in its war with Ukraine, South Korean intelligence officials estimated via Just the News.

Kim Jong-un assured Belousov that North Korea 'will as ever fully support the policy of the Russian Federation to defend the national sovereignty, territorial integrity and security interests,' according to state media. Kim Jong-un said Russia will 'surely win a victory in the just sacred war,' according to state media.