Kim Jong Un presided over a welcoming ceremony in Pyongyang honoring engineer troops honored after a mine clearance mission in Russia. The event marked North Korea’s first public acknowledgment of deploying engineer units to assist Russian military operations abroad.
According to state media, the ceremony occurred Friday in Pyongyang, welcoming troops returning from Russia’s western Kursk region. Specifically, the returning personnel belonged to the 528th Regiment of Engineers, which deployed to Russia in early August.
North Korea reportedly dispatched approximately 1,000 engineer troops to support Russian forces with clearing battlefield mines. Previously, Pyongyang remained silent regarding the deployment, although Russian reports had disclosed the mission earlier.
During the ceremony, Kim praised the unit’s performance while acknowledging the deaths of nine personnel during operations. He described the losses as deeply painful while emphasizing the strategic value of the mission’s rapid completion.
Kim stated the engineers transformed dangerous minefields into secure areas within months instead of several anticipated years. Moreover, he framed the operation as evidence of North Korea’s discipline, endurance, and ideological commitment.
Additionally, Kim criticized Western military forces, arguing that advanced technology cannot match revolutionary morale and unity. As part of the ceremony, he awarded the Order of Freedom and Independence to the regiment.
Furthermore, the state granted posthumous honors, including the title of DPRK Hero, to the fallen engineers. State media images showed Kim embracing wounded soldiers and meeting families of those killed.
Meanwhile, Kim described the deployment period as emotionally difficult, comparing the waiting period to past wartime separations. He emphasized that the sacrifices strengthened bonds between the state, the military, and bereaved families.
Analysts say the emphasis on casualties serves both domestic unity and diplomatic signaling purposes. Hong Min, a senior analyst at the Korea Institute for National Unification, highlighted expectations toward Moscow.
He explained that repeatedly spotlighting engineer troops honored reinforces pressure on Russia to maintain reciprocal political support. Earlier, North Korea deployed roughly 15,000 combat troops to assist Russia’s war against Ukraine.
Moreover, Pyongyang previously honored those forces and constructed a memorial hall commemorating fallen soldiers. North Korea and Russia further deepened cooperation after signing a mutual defense treaty last June.
Therefore, the ceremony signaled how engineer troops honored now symbolize expanding strategic alignment between Pyongyang and Moscow. Observers expect further public recognition of overseas deployments in coming months.
