North Korea Begins Construction of Memorial for Troops Killed in Ukraine War

North Korea has started building the Memorial Museum of Combat Feats in Pyongyang to honor its soldiers killed while fighting alongside Russia in the Ukraine war. Leader Kim Jong-un, attending the groundbreaking ceremony with Russian Ambassador Aleksandr Matsegora, described the project as marking a "historic peak" in North Korea-Russia relations, emphasizing the sacrifices of North Korean troops in Russia's Kursk region. Since October 2024, North Korea has reportedly sent about 15,000 troops to support Russia, with estimates of around 600 killed and thousands wounded. The memorial will feature sculptures, photos, and artwork commemorating these soldiers, reinforcing the strategic partnership between the two nations. Kim praised the North Korean fighters for their role in resisting what he called "neo-Nazi invaders" and highlighted the enduring military alliance. The ceremony underscored the deepening bilateral ties amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.