Kim’s Message Highlights Loyalty as Pyongyang Sends Thousands to Fight in Ukraine

During the foundation day celebrations, Kim Jong Un emphasized that loyalty to the motherland must remain unwavering, especially as North Korean soldiers continue to fight on the front lines of the Ukraine war under Russian command. According to South Korean intelligence, about 14,000‑15,000 troops have been dispatched since the end of 2024, with an estimated 6,000 killed or wounded. The leader’s address praised the bravery of these commanders and enlisted men, calling their sacrifice a testament to the nation’s resolve. The speech arrived amid growing military cooperation between Pyongyang and Moscow, including the recent inauguration of a bridge over the Tumen River that is expected to facilitate greater economic exchange.