North Korean dictator Kim Jong-Un was seen weeping while honouring the soldiers killed in the Russian war against Ukraine.
A video released by North Korea’s state KRT television showed an emotional Kim alongside his guest, Russian culture minister, Olga Lyubimova, and his daughter, Kim Ju-ae, at a concert in Pyongyang on Sunday.
Behind the concert, a massive screen displayed images of North Korean soldiers believed to be those deployed to fight in Russia's war with Ukraine.
The images were aired during a musical performance at the East Pyongyang Grand Theatre. The concert also showed images of the North Korean leader mourning over soldiers’ coffins. The event was held to mark the anniversary of the military treaty signed with Russia.
One image purportedly showed pages from a blood-stained notebook, believed to have belonged to a North Korean soldier, which was retrieved from a battlefield in Russia’s Kursk region.
This is the first time that the North Korean media has shown proof of soldiers fighting for Russia against Ukraine.
At least 12,000 North Korean troops have been reportedly sent to Russia’s Kursk border region. South Korea’s intelligence agency estimates that North Korea has suffered about 4,700 casualties, including 600 deaths.
The officials also claimed that North Korea may send additional deployments in July or August.
