North Korea Unveils Homes for Soldiers Lost in Ukraine War
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has shown off brand new apartments built specifically for the families of soldiers who died fighting alongside Russia in Ukraine. State media shared pictures of Kim touring the street, named Saeppyol Street, in Pyongyang.
Soldiers Sent to Aid Russia
Reports from South Korean and Western intelligence agencies say North Korea sent thousands of soldiers to fight for Russia in Ukraine. South Korea believes around 2,000 North Korean troops have been killed or wounded.
Experts think North Korea gets something in return for this military help, like money, weapons technology, or basic supplies from Russia.
A New Street for Fallen Soldiers’ Families
The official news agency (KCNA) published photos of Kim visiting the new homes. He was joined by his daughter, Ju Ae, who many think is being prepared to take over leadership one day. South Korean intelligence recently stated she has been chosen as Kim’s successor.
One picture showed families checking out their new apartments.
Kim gave a speech saying the street was built because the country “really wanted” to honor the soldiers who gave their lives defending what matters most to North Korea. He suggested the soldiers died imagining their families living well in a strong nation.
Timing Before a Big Political Meeting
While Kim didn’t mention Russia directly in this report, he recently promised to back Russian President Vladimir Putin “no matter what.”
The apartment reveal happened just before North Korea’s most important political event, the Workers’ Party congress, happening this month.
Why the Timing Matters
Analysts see this as a deliberate move. Hong Min, an expert at the Korea Institute for National Unification, told AFP that showing off the homes right before the big meeting is likely an attempt by North Korea to make sending soldiers to fight in Ukraine seem justified.
“It shows the state giving something real to the families of dead soldiers,” Hong Min explained. “It’s a symbolic display.”
People watching the congress are also keen to see if Kim announces any major policy changes or if his daughter, Ju Ae, gets an official title within the ruling party.
