Kim Jong-un praises North Korean troops who self-detonated to avoid capture in Ukraine war

2 min read May 1, 2026 01:41 PM IST The event, held to commemorate North Korean troops, marked the first time Kim Jong-un acknowledged the extent of such actions. (file) In 2024, Pyongyang, the capital of North Korea, deployed around 14,000 troops to support Russia’s war against Ukraine. The forces were engaged in combat near the border town of Sudzha, which Ukrainian troops had seized during a surprise counteroffensive that summer. Intelligence reports suggest that North Korea has explicitly instructed its soldiers to resort to self-detonation or other forms of suicide rather than risk capture by enemy forces. Officials estimate that more than 6,000 North Korean soldiers were killed in the intense fighting, The Guardian reported. Speaking at a ceremony attended by Russian officials and families of fallen soldiers, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un publicly praised troops who blew themselves up with grenades to avoid capture while fighting Ukrainian forces in Russia’s western Kursk region, effectively confirming the existence of this extreme battlefield doctrine. The event, held to commemorate North Korean troops, marked the first time Kim Jong-un acknowledged the extent of such actions. According to a transcript released by the state news agency KCNA, he described them as acts of heroism. “It is not only the heroes who unhesitatingly chose the path of self-destruction and suicide to defend great honour, but also those who fell while charging at the forefront of assault battles,” he said, The Guardian reported. He added that even those who survived deserved recognition, describing them as patriots. North Korea has also reportedly supplied Russia with millions of artillery shells and a significant number of short-range ballistic missiles. In return, Moscow is believed to have provided economic support and military technology, according to South Korean intelligence. The Express Global Desk at The Indian Express delivers authoritative, verified, and context-driven coverage of key international developments shaping global politics, policy, and migration trends. The desk focuses on stories with direct relevance for Indian and global audiences, combining breaking news with in-depth explainers and analysis. A major focus area of the desk is US immigration and visa policy, including developments related to student visas, work permits, permanent residency pathways, executive actions, and court rulings. The Global Desk also closely tracks Canada’s immigration, visa, and study policies, covering changes to study permits, post-study work options, permanent residence programmes, and regulatory updates affecting migrants and international students. All reporting from the Global Desk adheres to The Indian Express’ editorial standards, relying on official data, government notifications, court documents, and on-record sources. The desk prioritises clarity, accuracy, and accountability, ensuring readers can navigate complex global systems with confidence. Core Team The Express Global Desk is led by a team of experienced journalists and editors with deep expertise in international affairs and migration policy: Aniruddha Dhar – Senior Assistant Editor with extensive experience in global affairs, international politics, and editorial leadership. Nischai Vats – Deputy Copy Editor specialising in US politics, US visa and immigration policy, and policy-driven international coverage. Mashkoora Khan – Sub-editor focusing on global developments, with a strong emphasis on Canada visa, immigration, and study-related policy coverage. ... Read More Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram © IE Online Media Services Pvt Ltd Tags: North korea Russia Ukraine