North Korea troop deployment to Russia has become a central focus of state propaganda. Kim Jong-un personally approved the decision to send troops into the conflict. He ratified the order shortly after Ukraine launched a surprise offensive in the Kursk region. The release of official footage revealed how Pyongyang positioned itself in the war.
The state video titled Remember showed North Korean soldiers preparing for battle. It also displayed a signed order authorizing the Kursk mission. Kim appeared in a white Mao suit leading a meeting with senior generals. Pak Jong-chon and Ri Chang-ho sat beside him as he confirmed the plan. The footage aimed to frame the mission as heroic and strategic.
Captions in the broadcast stated that Kim finalized the deployment on Aug. 28. He announced that defending Russia equaled defending North Korea. Moreover, he argued that any violation of Russia’s sovereignty counted as a violation of his country’s sovereignty. By declaring this stance, Kim justified his decision to intervene. The North Korea troop deployment became both symbolic and strategic.
Kim urged the soldiers to fight with discipline and courage. He demanded bravery and loyalty in their efforts to reclaim Kursk. In addition, he described the mission as a test of national strength. His words sought to inspire morale and demonstrate unity. The messaging aligned with Pyongyang’s effort to project defiance against the West.
The decision followed a major treaty signed with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Pyongyang. Both leaders pledged to deliver military and economic assistance without delay if either nation faced attack. Kim honored the deal by sending 11,000 soldiers first. Later, he dispatched another 3,000 during the winter months. The agreement transformed political alignment into battlefield cooperation.
Internal documents later exposed serious challenges. Kim acknowledged heavy losses among his forces because Russian units performed poorly. He then issued a directive ordering commanders to minimize casualties and strengthen safety. These actions revealed Pyongyang’s concerns about the cost of involvement. Moreover, they showed Kim’s awareness of Russia’s weaknesses.
The video appeared days before China’s large military parade marking the end of World War II. Analysts said Pyongyang likely timed the release to maximize leverage with Moscow. Kim and Putin plan to meet in Beijing during the parade. The North Korea troop deployment therefore reinforced both their military partnership and their political message to the world.
