Seoul, Aug 21 (IANS) – North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has lauded the ground commanders of troops deployed to Russia’s frontline Kursk region, praising their role in aiding Moscow’s war against Ukraine, state media reported Thursday.
According to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), Kim met the commanding officers of the Korean People’s Army’s overseas operation unit on Wednesday as they returned home for a commendation ceremony.
During the briefing, Kim “highly appreciated their feats of leading combat units of our armed forces, which participated in operations to liberate the Kursk Region of the Russian Federation, to victory.” He described the mission as the “most important duty” assigned to North Korean troops and sent “warm militant encouragement” to all personnel deployed abroad.
KCNA quoted Kim as saying the North’s army had “fully demonstrated its unique qualities,” reinforcing its reputation as “the most powerful army in the world.” He added: “Our army is now doing what it ought to do and what needs to be done. It will do so in the future, too.”
Photographs released by state media showed senior military officials, including Vice Chief Ri Chang-ho, who reportedly took part in the Russia-Ukraine war’s early stages, attending the meeting.
KCNA said the first official commendation ceremony for service members involved in the overseas mission will be held soon.
