Kim Jong-un Urges Troops to Fight Alongside Russia in Ukraine

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has called on his troops to “be brave” as they continue to be deployed to the frontlines of Russia’s ongoing conflict in Ukraine. During his New Year’s address on January 1, 2025, Kim emphasized the honor of fighting alongside the “fraternal Russian people” and highlighted the strengthening alliance between North Korea and Russia amid their mutual isolation on the international stage.

The deployment of North Korean soldiers has occurred following an agreement between Vladimir Putin and Pyongyang, aimed at bolstering troop numbers in the face of Ukrainian resistance. Reports indicate that between 10,000 and 12,000 North Korean soldiers have been sent to the frontlines since late 2024, marking a significant commitment to Russia’s military efforts.

Kim’s remarks were particularly notable for their explicit acknowledgment of North Korea’s involvement in the conflict. While he refrained from directly naming the war, he praised the soldiers serving in “overseas operation units,” reflecting the regime’s growing openness about its military engagement. “As the whole country is enveloped in a festive atmosphere…I all the more miss you, who are fighting bravely on the battlefields,” he stated, reinforcing the idea that those on the frontlines are defending North Korean honor.

Military Cooperation and Casualties

The presence of North Korean troops in Ukraine has reportedly played a critical role in Russia’s defense strategy, particularly during Ukraine’s counteroffensive in the Kursk region in March 2025. This marked a significant moment, as it was the first time since World War II that internationally recognized Russian territory was encroached upon. Estimates suggest that approximately 600 North Korean soldiers have lost their lives in the conflict, with thousands more injured as they engage in what Kim referred to as “alien land.”

The military cooperation between North Korea and Russia is believed to stem from a secret treaty that outlines mutual defense measures, reportedly signed during Putin’s visit to Pyongyang in June 2024. In return for its support, North Korea is thought to be receiving aid from Moscow, including energy supplies and military technology.

In April 2025, North Korea officially confirmed the deployment of soldiers to support Russia, following months of speculation regarding its involvement. Two months later, Kim pledged his “unconditional support” for Russia concerning the situation in Ukraine, signaling a deepening commitment to the alliance.

These developments illustrate the increasingly intertwined fates of North Korea and Russia as both nations seek to navigate their respective challenges on the global stage. As tensions rise between Russia and Western nations, Kim’s calls for bravery among his troops may serve to reinforce domestic support for the regime while solidifying military ties with Moscow.

As the conflict in Ukraine continues, the implications of this alliance could have lasting effects on the geopolitical landscape, with both nations facing scrutiny from the international community.