North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has awarded national honors to military commanders who assisted Russia in the Ukraine conflict, praising their efforts in a rare display of camaraderie.
In a notable gesture, Kim invited these commanders to his office at the party headquarters, where he was seen sharing cigarettes with them. This act symbolizes not only their crucial role in executing national strategy but also projects an image of Kim as a tough military leader who emphasizes masculinity.
On Thursday, the Rodong Sinmun, the official newspaper of the Workers’ Party of Korea, reported that Kim met with key commanders of the Korean People’s Army’s overseas operation unit. These officers had returned to participate in a state commendation ceremony held at the party’s central committee headquarters on August 20.
The national honors were bestowed upon generals, officers, and soldiers who distinguished themselves in overseas military operations. These individuals are believed to be commanders of North Korean troops dispatched to support Russia in the Ukraine conflict.
Kim praised the commanders for their efforts in what he referred to as the Operation to Recover Kursk. He stated that the motherland has put them and their combat units forward for the most critical missions, extending his encouragement to all commanders and troops involved in the Kursk operation.
Photos released by state media show the commanders seated beside Kim, with cigarettes, ashtrays, and matches arranged before them. Although no images directly depict smoking, it is presumed that Kim permitted smoking in his office—a significant gesture in North Korean culture.
In North Korea, where Kim is revered as the Supreme Leader, sharing cigarettes is considered a remarkable privilege. This act of smoking with military commanders can be interpreted as a morale booster for the deployed troops and as recognition of their efforts. It represents the highest form of appreciation and encouragement that Kim could offer to these returning commanders.
Kim has previously been photographed sharing cigarettes with military commanders following significant achievements, such as successful tests of intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) or short-range ballistic missiles (SRBMs). This recent scene appears to be a calculated move to showcase the Supreme Commander as being closely aligned with his battlefield commanders, likely aimed at bolstering loyalty and morale within the ranks.