SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — North Korea has completed a new housing district in Pyongyang intended for the families of soldiers killed fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine, state media reported Monday. The move represents the latest effort by leader Kim Jong Un to publicly honor those who have fought in the conflict and potentially bolster domestic support for his increasingly close alliance with Moscow.
The new street, named Saeppyol Street, was showcased in state media photographs depicting Kim Jong Un walking through the area and visiting the homes of some of the families, accompanied by his daughter, Kim Ju Ae. He reportedly pledged to repay the “young martyrs” who “sacrificed all to their motherland.”
The construction of the housing district comes amid a noticeable intensification of North Korean propaganda glorifying troops deployed to Russia’s war effort. This includes the establishment of a memorial wall and the construction of a museum dedicated to those who have served, suggesting a deliberate attempt to cultivate internal unity and potentially mitigate any emerging public discontent regarding the country’s involvement in the war.
Kim Jong Un has, in recent months, authorized the dispatch of thousands of troops and substantial quantities of military equipment – including artillery and missiles – to support Russian President Vladimir Putin’s war in Ukraine. This support has coincided with a strengthening alignment between the two leaders, both of whom face significant challenges in their respective confrontations with Washington.
South Korea’s National Intelligence Service (NIS) estimates that approximately 6,000 North Korean troops have been killed or wounded during their deployment to Ukraine, according to briefings provided to lawmakers last week. While a precise breakdown of fatalities was not provided, the NIS had previously estimated around 600 deaths last year. This suggests a significant level of North Korean involvement and casualties within the conflict.
Beyond the human cost, the NIS believes that North Korean forces are benefiting from their participation in the war. They are reportedly gaining valuable modern combat experience and receiving technical support from Russia, which could potentially enhance the performance of their own weapons systems. This transfer of knowledge and technology represents a potential long-term strategic advantage for North Korea.
The timing of the housing district’s completion is also significant, coinciding with preparations for a major ruling party congress later this month. At this congress, Kim Jong Un is expected to outline his key domestic and foreign policy objectives for the next five years and further consolidate his control over the country. The display of support for war veterans and their families serves as a powerful message to the North Korean populace and reinforces the regime’s narrative of national sacrifice and unity.
North Korea’s involvement in the Russo-Ukrainian war dates back to 2022, when it initially expressed support for Russia by recognizing the self-proclaimed Donetsk and Luhansk People’s Republics. This move led to the severance of diplomatic relations with Ukraine, which condemned the recognition as a violation of international law and an infringement on its territorial integrity. Relations between the two countries were already minimal due to existing international sanctions against North Korea.
Prior to the deployment of troops, North Korea had already been supplying Russia with military equipment, including the M-1989 Koksan howitzer, a long-range artillery weapon intended to bolster Russia’s artillery capabilities. This arms trade further solidified the growing military cooperation between Pyongyang and Moscow.
In December 2025, Kim Jong Un sent a New Year’s greeting to Vladimir Putin, celebrating the alliance between their two countries and highlighting the shared “blood, life and death” experienced in the Ukraine war. This message underscored the deepening ties between the two nations and their willingness to stand together in the face of international pressure.
The construction of Saeppyol Street and the broader campaign to honor North Korean soldiers fighting in Ukraine represent a calculated effort by Kim Jong Un to project strength, reinforce domestic support, and solidify his alliance with Russia. The move also serves as a clear signal of defiance towards the international community and a willingness to challenge the existing geopolitical order.
