Kim Urges North Korean Troops Brace for Real War
Kim Jong Un Demands North Korean Forces Stand Ready for “Real War”
South Korean and Western intelligence agencies have reported that Pyongyang sent more than 10,000 soldiers to Russia’s Kursk region last year, along with artillery shells, missiles and long‑range rocket systems, according to the Korean Central News Agency.
Artillery Contest Highlights “Real War” Readiness
- Video footage aired by state‑run Korea Central Television showed North Korean artillery units firing shells toward the sea.
- Kim Jong Un is seen peering through binoculars at an observation post, flanked by two military officials.
- He urged the soldiers to be ready “for real war” at “anytime” and to be capable of “destroying the enemy in every battle,” the agency reported in an English dispatch.
North Korea’s Support for Russia in Ukraine
Kim offered Moscow full support for its war in Ukraine during recent talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, state media reported previously.
Military Deal with Russia
- The two heavily sanctioned nations signed a military deal last year, including a mutual defense clause.
- The deal was signed during a rare visit by Russian President Vladimir Putin to Pyongyang.
Impact on North Korean Soldiers
South Korea has said that around 600 North Korean soldiers have been killed and thousands more wounded fighting for Russia.
