North Korean leader Kim Jong Un visited a construction site in Pyongyang honoring soldiers killed during the Ukraine war. State media said the visit highlighted official efforts to commemorate overseas combat casualties and reinforce state narratives surrounding military sacrifice.
According to the Korean Central News Agency, Kim inspected the Memorial Museum of Combat Feats for Overseas Military Operations on Monday. He participated in a ceremonial tree-planting event and dug the first shovelful of earth at the construction site.
State media images showed Kim accompanied by his wife, Ri Sol Ju, and daughter, Ju Ae, during the visit. Ju Ae appeared actively involved in the ceremony, reflecting her increasingly visible presence at major political and symbolic events.
Kim praised the fallen troops, calling their sacrifice an eternal cornerstone supporting the strength and dignity of the DPRK. He said the soldiers’ actions during the Ukraine war would remain permanently embedded within the nation’s historical foundation.
The memorial follows Kim’s August decision to award commendations to soldiers deployed for overseas combat missions. At that time, he announced plans to construct a commemorative street and museum honoring their contributions.
Construction of the museum reportedly began in October, marking an unprecedented acknowledgment of overseas military deaths. It represents the first North Korean museum dedicated specifically to soldiers killed in foreign combat operations.
South Korean and Western intelligence agencies estimate Pyongyang has sent more than 10,000 troops to assist Russia. Those deployments reportedly included conventional weapons and logistical support linked to the Ukraine war.
Analysts believe thousands of North Korean soldiers may have died, although Pyongyang has not disclosed official casualty figures. Observers say the memorial serves both domestic propaganda objectives and strategic messaging toward foreign partners.
Experts note that Ju Ae’s appearance reinforces speculation about her symbolic role in succession-related messaging. Such appearances typically accompany efforts to emphasize continuity, loyalty, and regime stability.
Looking ahead, analysts expect the memorial’s completion to feature prominently in state propaganda campaigns. The project underscores Pyongyang’s willingness to frame overseas military losses as national honor.
