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North Korean Troops Join Russia’s Victory Day Parade for First Time

North Korean troops marched in Russia’s Victory Day parade in Moscow for the first time, highlighting deepening military ties. The soldiers carried the North Korean flag through Red Square, with Ambassador Sin Hong-chol applauding their presence. Pyongyang has deployed around 15,000 troops to support Russia in Ukraine under a strategic treaty signed in June 2024. Kim Jong-un sent Putin a congratulatory message, vowing to prioritize and fulfill obligations under the bilateral partnership.

Key Points: North Korean Troops March in Russia’s Victory Day Parade

  • North Korean troops march in Moscow’s Victory Day parade for the first time
  • Soldiers carried North Korean flag and banner through Red Square
  • Pyongyang deployed 15,000 combat troops to support Russia in Ukraine
  • Kim Jong-un sent congratulatory message to Putin, reaffirming strategic partnership
2 min read

North Korean troops march in Russia's Victory Day parade for 1st time

North Korean soldiers march in Moscow’s Victory Day parade for the first time, showcasing growing military ties between Pyongyang and Moscow amid the Ukraine war.

"We will always faithfully fulfil the obligations under the inter-state treaty between the DPRK and Russia - Kim Jong-un"

Moscow, May 10

North Korean troops marched in Russia's Victory Day military parade held in Moscow, according to footage released by Russia's Tass news agency, in a show of the growing military ties between the two nations.

In footage posted on Tass' social media accounts, North Korean soldiers were seen marching in formation through Moscow's Red Square while carrying the North Korean national flag and a banner marking Russia's Victory Day, which commemorates the Soviet victory over Germany in World War II, reports Yonhap news agency.

As the North Korean troops appeared in Red Square, North Korean Ambassador to Russia Sin Hong-chol and other officials applauded and welcomed them.

It marked the first time North Korean soldiers had marched alongside Russian troops in the annual Victory Day parade, Tass reported.

Pyongyang deployed around 15,000 combat troops to support Russia in the war after North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a strategic partnership treaty in June 2024.

Earlier in the day, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un sent a congratulatory message to Russian President Vladimir Putin on Russia's Victory Day celebration, reaffirming Pyongyang's commitment to prioritising and deepening ties with Moscow, state media reported Saturday.

Kim extended his "sincerest congratulations" on the occasion of the 81st Victory Day and expressed satisfaction with the current "brilliant history of independence, dignity, peace and prosperity" shared by the two countries, according to the North's state media, Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).

"Reaffirming the stand of the government of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) to give top priority to and steadily develop the alliance-like comprehensive strategic partnership between our two countries, I affirm once again that we will always faithfully fulfil the obligations under the inter-state treaty between the DPRK and Russia," Kim said, using the North's official name.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Sarah B
As someone who follows geopolitics closely, this is a classic example of how isolated nations band together against the West. Russia needs troops, North Korea needs economic and military support. It's a transactional relationship but one that could have serious ripple effects for India, especially given our own border issues and need for stable global alliances. We should watch this very carefully.
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Michael C
Victory Day is supposed to commemorate the end of WWII and the defeat of fascism. Seeing North Korean troops marching in Red Square is deeply ironic and troubling. It feels like history is being twisted for current political agendas. I hope India continues to maintain its independent foreign policy and not get drawn into these kinds of militaristic displays.
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Priya S
It's sad to see the camaraderie between two nations that have such different histories with WWII. Russia fought against Nazi Germany, while North Korea was under Japanese colonial rule during that time. Now they're marching together in Moscow. It feels like a mockery of the sacrifices made by Soviet soldiers. And with India's close ties to Russia, this makes me uncomfortable.
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David E
Wait, 15,000 troops? That's a significant force. And they're marching in the Victory Day parade as a show of solidarity. This is clearly Russia signaling that it has willing allies in this war, even if those allies are politically isolated themselves. For India, which maintains a strategic partnership with Russia while also balancing ties with the West, this creates a tricky diplomatic situation. 😕
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Vikram M
I'm surprised this is getting so little international outrage. North Korean troops fighting and dying in Ukraine for Russia's interests is a huge escalation. And the fact that Kim sent a congrat

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