Kim Jong Un, the Supreme Leader of North Korea, sent a New Year’s message to troops deployed in Russia, bolstering morale by emphasizing that Pyongyang and Moscow stand behinds them, while showcasing the strengthening ties between the two nations.
The regime’s official mouthpiece, Rodong Sinmun, released the full text of Kim’s New Year’s letter to overseas operational forces on Thursday, which he had penned on December 31 of the previous year.
In his message, Kim lauded the soldiers, declaring that the year 2025 shines even brighter due to the immortal honor they’ve safeguarded with thet blood and lives. He further emphasized that each of them has heroically defended the dignity and honor of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.
Kim continued that 2026 will dawn as another great year for the nation, marked by the extraordinary feats they’re accomplishing on foreign soil. He underscored the bilateral relationship, stating that their sacrificial and devoted struggle is further cementing the militant friendship, camaraderie, and invincible alliance between North Korea and Russia.
The leader expressed his personal sentiment, saying that he has no greater wish than to see all of them return safely to the motherland. He added that he, along with the entire population and the soldiers’ families, prays for the day when all members of the overseas operational units complete their missions and return home unharmed.
On the same day, Kim personally met with families of commanders from the overseas operational units who were attending the 2026 New Year’s Celebration, offering them words of comfort and support.
According to the newspaper, Kim stated that as the nation steps into this promising New Year, his thoughts increasingly turn to the commanders and fighters of our overseas operational units. He added that news and photos of their meeting would surely boost the morale of the commanders on the battlefield, as he posed for commemorative photographs with the families.
U.S. intelligence sources estimate that approximately 15,000 North Korean combat troops have been deployed to Russia since October of last year. While North Korea has publicized the return of some units, including a welcome ceremony for the 528th Engineer Regiment of the Korean People’s Army, which was deployed for mine-clearing operations on December 12, it’s believed that a significant number of the deployed combat units have yet to return home.