Kim Jong-un Celebrates North Korean Troops in New Year Address

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has expressed his admiration for troops deployed abroad in his New Year message, which emphasised the country's partnership with Russia. According to the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), Kim described the soldiers as 'heroic' for their efforts in what he referred to as an 'alien land.'

In his address, Kim did not explicitly mention the conflict in Ukraine but acknowledged the contributions of personnel engaged in what were described as 'overseas operations units.' He expressed a sense of longing for those actively fighting, stating, 'As the whole country is enveloped in a festive atmosphere of greeting the new year, I all the more miss you who are fighting bravely on the battlefields in the alien land even at this moment.'

The North Korean regime is believed to have dispatched thousands of troops to support Russia's prolonged invasion of Ukraine, as reported by South Korean and Western intelligence agencies. Estimates suggest that at least 600 North Korean soldiers have died, with many more sustaining injuries during their deployment.

Analysts have indicated that North Korea is receiving various forms of assistance from Russia, including financial aid, military technology, food, and energy supplies in exchange for its support in the conflict. In his message, Kim encouraged his soldiers to continue their efforts, calling on them to fight 'for the fraternal Russian people.'

Reports from South Korea’s intelligence service indicate that North Korean troops are under orders to commit suicide rather than be captured. This has been corroborated by accounts from two North Korean individuals who had been taken prisoner by Ukrainian forces. These two men, who were injured in combat and held since January 2025, have expressed a desire to start anew in South Korea. In a letter shared with the media, they conveyed gratitude to those advocating for their situation, stating, 'We firmly believe that we are never alone and we think of those in South Korea as our own parents and siblings and have decided to go into their embrace.'

In April, North Korea confirmed its military involvement in support of Russian forces, particularly during incidents in the Kursk region. This deployment was framed within the context of a mutual defence treaty signed between the two nations in 2024.

During a meeting in June with Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu, Kim reiterated his 'unconditional support' for Russia's stance on the conflict in Ukraine. KCNA reported that Kim affirmed his backing for Russia's foreign policies concerning significant international issues, including the situation in Ukraine.

The remarks made by Kim during this festive season signal a continued commitment to the alliance with Russia, which analysts suggest has provided a crucial economic boost for North Korea, enabling it to resist diplomatic overtures from the United States and South Korea. However, the conditions faced by North Korean troops on the ground in Ukraine remain dire, reflecting the grim realities of warfare in the region.