Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Shweta Sharma

What is Kim Jong Un’s ‘self-destruct’ policy for North Korean soldiers in Ukraine?

  • North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has publicly confirmed that his soldiers are instructed to commit suicide on the battlefield to avoid capture by Ukrainian forces.
  • This acknowledgement came during the inauguration of a memorial museum in Pyongyang dedicated to North Korean troops killed while fighting in Russia's war against Ukraine.
  • An estimated 15,000 North Korean soldiers have been deployed to support Russian combat operations, with nearly 2,000 reportedly killed.
  • Kim Jong Un praised the 'extraordinary heroism' of troops who chose 'self-blasting, suicide attack' to defend their country's honour.
  • North Korea and Russia are set to sign a new military cooperation agreement for 2027-2031, further cementing their defence ties amidst Pyongyang's ongoing missile tests and increased nuclear activities.

IN FULL

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.