North Korea has officially opened a memorial museum dedicated to its soldiers who lost their lives supporting Russia in the war against Ukraine. The ceremonial inauguration took place on April 26, 2026, in Pyongyang, attended by Kim Jong Un and a delegation of high-ranking Russian officials, including Vyacheslav Volodin, the speaker of the State Duma.

According to North Korean state media reports, North Korea had deployed approximately 15,000 troops to aid Russia, with estimates suggesting that around 2,000 of these soldiers were killed. This event coincided with the one-year anniversary of the reclamation of the Kursk region, which was a focal point in military operations against Ukrainian forces.

During the opening ceremony, Kim Jong Un symbolically honored the fallen soldiers by throwing dirt over their remains and laying flowers in tribute. He described these troops as heroes, emphasizing that their spirits would serve as a "symbol of the Korean people’s heroism" and as a catalyst for future victories alongside their Russian counterparts.

In his speech, Kim reiterated North Korea's commitment to supporting Russia against what he called U.S.-led hegemonic forces, indicating a desire for deeper military cooperation. Russia's Defense Minister Andrei Beloussov echoed this sentiment, expressing readiness to formalize a military cooperation agreement covering the years 2027 to 2031.

The establishment of this museum not only aims to honor military sacrifices but also functions as a tool for ideological education within North Korea, reinforcing the narrative of patriotism and collective struggle against international adversaries.