North Korea recently unveiled a memorial complex for troops deployed to Russia, which analysts estimate could accommodate over 400 bodies.
U.S.-based North Korea monitoring outlet NK News analyzed images of the newly constructed overseas military operations memorial hall on January 7. It concluded that the site could house the remains of at least 412 fallen soldiers across both sections of the complex.
The report highlighted approximately 300 large concrete boxes flanking the main building, likely designed to contain the remains of deceased personnel.
The memorial grounds feature symmetrical layouts on each side, with one section arranged in 9 rows of 12 seats (108 total) and another in 7 rows of 14 seats (98 total).
While Pyongyang has not released official casualty figures related to its deployment in Ukraine, South Korean intelligence sources estimate that at least 2,000 North Korean soldiers have been killed. NK News suggests the discrepancy between casualties and available burial plots indicates the memorial may be reserved for soldiers recognized for distinguished service.
North Korean state media first publicly acknowledged combat losses last August, when portraits of 101 fallen soldiers were displayed at a national commendation ceremony. Later that month, a separate memorial event for bereaved families featured at least 250 portraits, including the original 101.
On December 13, Kim Jong Un attended a homecoming ceremony for returning combat engineers and formally acknowledged nine soldiers killed during demining operations near Kursk. The fallen troops were posthumously awarded first-class national medals and soldier honor medals, and were also granted the title of Hero of the Republic.