Kim Jong-un admits North Korean troops clearing landmines for Russia

Kim Jong-un publicly acknowledged that North Korean troops were deployed to clear landmines in Russia's Kursk region, marking a rare admission of their involvement in such dangerous tasks. The deployment, which began in August, lasted 120 days and resulted in the deaths of nine soldiers. Kim praised the returning engineering regiment for their "heroism" in transforming a dangerous area into a safe one in a short period. Intelligence agencies suggest this support is part of a larger exchange where Russia provides North Korea with financial aid, military technology, food, and energy in return, helping North Korea circumvent international sanctions. Kim awarded state honors to the deceased and met with returning soldiers and families of the fallen at a welcoming ceremony in Pyongyang.

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