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North Korea Honors Soldiers Killed in Ukraine War with New Pyongyang Street

North Korea has inaugurated Saeppyol Street, a new residential area in Pyongyang dedicated to the families of soldiers killed while fighting for Russia in the Ukraine war. Leader Kim Jong-un, accompanied by his daughter Ju-ae, presided over the opening ceremony and delivered a speech honoring the fallen troops. The project, announced in 2023, is seen as an effort to legitimize North Korea's military involvement in the conflict and bolster domestic support. This follows reports that North Korea sent approximately 14,000 soldiers to aid Russian forces in 2024, with over 6,000 casualties.

Key Points: N. Korea Opens Street for Families of Soldiers Killed in Ukraine

  • New street for bereaved families
  • Kim Jong-un attended with daughter
  • Part of 2024 pact sending troops to Russia
  • Over 6,000 North Korean soldiers reported killed
  • Effort to legitimize role in Ukraine war
2 min read

North Korea opens street for families of soldiers killed in Russia-Ukraine war

North Korea unveils Saeppyol Street in Pyongyang for families of soldiers killed fighting for Russia in Ukraine, with Kim Jong-un presiding.

"the precious lives of its excellent sons... will live forever - Kim Jong-un"

Seoul, Feb 16

North Korea has built new homes in Pyongyang for the bereaved family members of North Korean soldiers who died during the Russia-Ukraine war, its state media said on Monday.

The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said North Korean leader Kim Jong-un attended the opening ceremony of the new street called Saeppyol Street on Sunday, accompanied by his daughter Ju-ae and other officials.

In his speech at the ceremony, Kim said the new street "has been built thanks to the ardent desire of our motherland that wishes that the precious lives of its excellent sons, who defended the most sacred things by sacrificing their most valuable things, will live forever."

Describing the street as "a source of honor for our generation and a pride of Pyongyang and our state," he said it is for "the bereaved family members of the fallen soldiers and other combatants, as well as the combatants of the regiment of the engineers, who have been dispatched to the overseas military operations."

"The Party and the government will take all necessary steps to ensure that these families lead a proud and worthwhile life while enjoying the preferential treatment by the state and the loving care of the whole society," he added, according to the KCNA.

After delivering the address and cutting the ribbon to mark the completion of the street, he visited the homes of some families to offer comfort, Yonhap news agency reported.

In August last year, Kim revealed plans to build the town, stressing commemorative services for its deployed soldiers, in an effort to legitimise North Korea's participation in Moscow's war against Ukraine and bolster domestic support.

The report did not reveal how many homes were built for the families.

Under a mutual defence pact with Russia, in 2024 North Korea sent about 14,000 soldiers to fight alongside Russian troops in Ukraine, where more than 6,000 of them were killed, according to South Korean, Ukrainian and western sources.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
While it's good that families are being supported, sending your own citizens to die in someone else's war is just wrong. North Korea has its own problems to solve. This feels like a propaganda stunt to hide the fact that they are essentially selling their soldiers as mercenaries to Russia. 🇮🇳 We should be grateful for our independent foreign policy.
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Rohit P
The geopolitics here is intense. North Korea gets military tech and economic aid from Russia, and in return sends troops. It's a brutal calculation. The street is just a shiny cover for a very dark reality. Hope the families find some peace, but this whole situation is a reminder of how precious peace is.
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Sarah B
Reading this from an Indian perspective, it's a stark lesson. A nation's youth is its greatest asset. Using them as pawns in foreign conflicts for political gain is the ultimate betrayal. The homes are a small consolation for a lifetime of loss. My heart goes out to those families.
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Karthik V
"Preferential treatment by the state" – sounds familiar? It's all about creating a loyal class. The ceremony with his daughter is also telling, preparing for succession. The whole thing is a meticulously staged drama. The real story is the 14000 sent and 6000 dead. Those numbers are horrifying.
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Nisha Z
As an Indian, I have to respectfully criticize the tone of some reports that might paint this as a noble act. There's nothing noble about it. It's damage control. If you truly valued your soldiers, you wouldn't send them to die in a war that has nothing to do with your nation's defense. Jai

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