According to Rodong Sinmun, the Russian Embassy in North Korea held a banquet in Pyongyang on Thursday to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Russia’s victory in World War II (Victory Day).
The banquet at the Yanggakdo International Hotel included remarks emphasizing the growing military and diplomatic ties between North Korea and Russia, highlighting recent cooperation as proof of their alliance. Plans to build a memorial for North Korean soldiers in the Kursk region were also announced.
Russian Ambassador Alexander Matsegora praised the courage and sacrifice of North Korean troops during the Kursk liberation operation, noting that President Vladimir Putin had expressed appreciation to Kim Jong Un, the North Korean leadership, and the people of the DPRK.
The ambassador reportedly stated that the joint efforts demonstrated a comprehensive strategic partnership and reaffirmed the allied status between the two nations. He added that cities and towns liberated during the operation would erect monuments honoring North Korean heroes and may even be renamed in their memory.
At the event, North Korean Defense Minister No Kwang Chol referred to the war in Ukraine as “Russia’s great patriotic victory,” asserting that the conflict defended national dignity and honor, while preventing what he described as the destruction of humanity.
He expressed confidence that Russia’s military and people would achieve further victories in what has been declared the “Year of the Defender of the Fatherland.” He also pledged that the Korean People’s Army would continue to support Russia’s efforts to protect its sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity.
The defense minister reportedly offered a “combat salute” to the Russian military personnel, praising their dedication to a “holy war for international justice.”
Senior North Korean officials, including Pak Jong Chon, Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission, Choe Son Hui, Foreign Minister, and Representatives from a Belarusian government delegation currently visiting Pyongyang, attended the event.