On May 10, the North Korean state-run newspaper Rodong Sinmun reported that North Korean troops took part in Russia’s military parade commemorating the 81st anniversary of Victory Day.
The front page of the newspaper highlighted the grand parade held on May 9 in Moscow’s Red Square, celebrating the 81st anniversary of the Great Patriotic War victory. It noted that a combined unit of the Korean People’s Army, comprising ground, naval, and air forces, participated in the Moscow victory parade.
According to the report, Army Colonel Choi Young-hoon led the joint military contingent as they marched through Red Square. The newspaper also mentioned that Russian President Vladimir Putin met with the North Korean parade unit commander to express his appreciation. It was noted that the North Korean military’s participation came at Russia’s invitation.
Russia annually observes May 9 as Victory Day, marking the Soviet Union’s triumph over Nazi Germany in World War II in 1945.
While North Korea sent a delegation to last year’s Victory Day event, led by Kim Yong-bok, deputy chief of the Korean People’s Army’s General Staff, they did not march in the parade.
This year’s unusual participation of North Korean troops in the parade coincides with the first anniversary of the Liberation of Kursk, reflecting the strengthening military ties between the two nations.
On May 9, Russia’s state news agency TASS shared video footage on social media showing North Korean troops participating in the parade. The video captured North Korean soldiers in full uniform, marching in formation while carrying rifles. TASS reported that this marked the first instance of North Korean troops marching alongside Russian forces in the Victory Day military parade.
