North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has lauded soldiers who reportedly chose to take their own lives rather than be captured while fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine.

According to state media, Kim described the troops as “heroes” during a speech honoring North Korean units deployed to Russia’s Kursk region.

Reports from South Korean, Ukrainian, and Western officials estimate that around 14,000 North Korean soldiers were sent to the frontlines, with more than 6,000 killed in heavy fighting.

Kim’s remarks highlight Pyongyang’s deepening military ties with Moscow, as North Korea continues to provide manpower and support in Russia’s war effort.

Analysts warn that the deployment underscores the growing internationalization of the conflict, raising concerns about the scale of casualties and the long‑term implications for North Korea’s military and its global standing.