• Kim Jong Un praised North Korean troops deployed to Russia, calling them "heroes."
• About 15,000 troops have reportedly been deployed, with 600 killed in combat.
• The ceremonies included decorations for returning soldiers and condolences for the families of the fallen.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has expressed high praise for the troops fighting alongside Russia in Ukraine, highlighting their efforts during a recent ceremony. Kim commended the soldiers for their contributions, stating, "Ours is a heroic army," and referred to them as "great heroes and patriots," according to aa and channelnewsasia.

During the commemorative events, which saw Kim award medals to both returning soldiers and families of the fallen, he asserted that the military engagements in Russia are a testament to the North Korean army's capability and spirit. He remarked, “The liberation of Kursk proved the fighting spirit of the heroes,” as reported by Reuters and Newsweek. Kim's involvement included emotional moments where he consoled grieving families, sharing hugs with children of deceased soldiers.

Sources indicate that North Korea has deployed approximately 15,000 troops to support Russia, with significant losses; around 600 North Korean soldiers are reported dead, and many more wounded in the ongoing conflict, according to assessments from South Korean intelligence agencies, reflecting information from Al Jazeera and Al Jazeera.

The continuing collaboration between North Korea and Russia is a vital aspect of their bilateral relations, which have deepened significantly over the past year. Kim emphasized the commitment of the North Korean military to ongoing operations in support of Russian military objectives, hinting at potential future deployments, as confirmed through various sources including Channel News Asia, aa, and Reuters.