N Korea, Russia bound in ‘blood’ of war, Kim tells Putin in New Year note

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.

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.

North Korean soldiers returned home this week after serving in Russia's war against Ukraine, marking North Korea's first public acknowledgement of its troop deployment. The soldiers, combat engineers from the 528th Regiment, were deployed to the Kursk region of Russia to conduct demining operations. Kim Jong-un held a welcoming ceremony in Pyongyang, praising their service and awarding the country's highest medal posthumously to nine soldiers killed in action. North Korea has supported Russia's war efforts by providing troops, artillery, and missiles, leading to a revived Cold War-era alliance between Moscow and Pyongyang. The Kremlin stated in July that North Korea agreed to send thousands of military personnel to aid in rebuilding Russia's war-torn regions.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un lauded the role of North Korean soldiers fighting alongside Russia in Ukraine at a key ruling party meeting held in December 2025. Kim claimed the deployment demonstrated the prestige of North Korea's army and its role as a protector of international justice. He also addressed shortcomings and "evil practices" among some officials, citing "deviations" in discipline, while emphasizing the need to correct ideological viewpoints and work attitudes. Kim further highlighted efforts to modernize North Korea's defenses amidst global geopolitical and technological changes. South Korean estimates suggest significant North Korean casualties in the conflict, with at least 600 soldiers killed and thousands injured.