State media images showed leader Kim Jong Un honouring the flag-draped coffins of North Korean soldiers apparently killed helping Russia fight Ukraine.
North Korea is believed to have sent thousands of troops to Ukraine to fight on Russia’s side in the war.
Around 600 North Korean soldiers have been killed and thousands more wounded fighting for Russia, according to South Korean lawmaker Lee Seong-kweun, citing information from Seoul’s intelligence agency.
The images of a visibly emotional Kim mourning the fallen soldiers were broadcast by the official Korean Central Television, released as part of an event in Pyongyang on Sunday, attended by Russian Culture Minister Olga Lyubimova.
It marked the one-year anniversary of a military pact signed by the two countries, which includes a mutual defence clause.
South Korean lawmaker Lee said last week that the North will send more troops to Russia to assist in its war against Ukraine, possibly as early as this month. But Seoul’s defence ministry said on Tuesday, July 1st, that it currently sees “no signs” that North Korea is preparing to deploy more troops to Russia.
