Kim Jong Un unveils new Pyongyang district for families of soldiers killed fighting for Russia
Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un (photo: Getty Images)
A new elite residential district for families of soldiers who did not return from overseas military operations was ceremonially opened in Pyongyang, according to Reuters.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un opened a new residential district in Pyongyang for families of North Korean soldiers killed abroad. He personally took part in the ceremony, trying to glorify the mass deaths of his own citizens on the side of the Russians in the war in Ukraine.
In his speech, Kim said the new district symbolizes the "spirit and sacrifice" of the fallen soldiers, adding that these homes should allow families who lost loved ones to "take pride in their sons and husbands and live happily."
In reality, these neighborhoods are the price Moscow pays for thousands of lives of Korean mercenaries utilized in Ukraine.
According to Western intelligence, for each soldier Pyongyang receives from Russia, not only technology but also currency transfers are involved, which are now being directed toward "showcase" construction in the capital.
Cost of the issue: Thousands dead in a foreign war
Although Pyongyang officially does not acknowledge participation in the war against Ukraine, the results of the strategic partnership with Putin as of February 2026 look grim:
- Export of "cannon fodder": about 14,000 North Korean troops have been sent to Russia;
- Mass losses: more than 6,000 of them are reported to have already been killed, mostly in meat assaults;
- Mortgage on bones: new districts of Pyongyang are effectively built on the blood of young Koreans whom Kim sold to the Kremlin to support aggression.
Propaganda ahead of congress
The opening of the residential district in Pyongyang is meant to become the main achievement ahead of the upcoming ninth congress of the Workers' Party of Korea. North Korea needs to show that the alliance with Moscow supposedly leads the country to success.
According to intelligence reports, the North Korean military is using artillery and drones from the territory of the Kursk region to shell Ukraine. North Korean soldiers are also involved in aerial reconnaissance and adjustment of multiple launch rocket system strikes.
North Korean troops also assist Russians by operating drones and adjusting strikes on Ukrainian positions in the Sumy region.
