North Korea’s Kim bestows ‘hero’ titles on soldiers killed in Ukraine war

Al JazeeraCenterEN 2 min read 100% complete by Kevin DoyleDecember 13, 2025 at 09:03 AM

AI Summary

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Kim Jong Un welcomed home North Korean soldiers from the 528th Regiment of Engineers who served with Russian forces in the Kursk region of Ukraine, beginning in August 2025. The regiment, deployed for 120 days, performed combat and engineering duties, including mine clearing. Kim praised their "mass heroism" and ability to secure a dangerous area in a short timeframe. He also lamented the loss of nine soldiers from the regiment, bestowing upon them the title "Hero of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea" and awarding the unit the Order of Freedom and Independence. The ceremony took place in Pyongyang, where Kim also hugged injured soldiers.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Ukraine ×260% Russia ×370% Korean People's Army ×280% Kim Jong Un ×4100%

Keywords

north korea 100% ukraine war 90% kim jong un 90% russian forces 80% military deployment 70% kursk region 60% mine clearing 50% korean people's army 50% hero titles 40%