On September 9, 2025, North Korea marked its 77th founding anniversary with mass dances and fireworks.
Leader Kim Jong Un delivered a speech touting the country’s unassailable security and saluting troops deployed abroad, state media KCNA reported.
This comes amid reports of North Korean soldiers fighting in Russia’s war against Ukraine.
Key Highlights from Kim’s Speech
Kim Jong Un emphasized North Korea’s strength and resilience in his address. He stated:
“(I) give a warm combat salute to the generals, military officers, and soldiers who have been deployed to overseas military operations.”
He further declared:
“Now, no one can hurt the absolute status and safety of our country by anything, and the ferocious flow of the prosperous era created by our hands cannot be reversed by any force.”
These remarks appear to reference North Korean troops supporting Russia in Ukraine, highlighting Pyongyang’s growing military ties with Moscow.
North Korean Troops in Ukraine: Casualties and Deployments
South Korea’s intelligence agency estimates that around 2,000 North Korean soldiers sent to aid Russia have been killed, with plans to deploy another 6,000 troops—about 1,000 combat soldiers already in Russia.
Earlier reports indicate higher overall casualties, with some sources citing up to 4,700 total losses, including 600 deaths by April 2025.
The troops, lacking recent combat experience, have faced heavy losses but shown adaptation to modern weapons like drones.
In exchange, North Korea reportedly receives Russian technology for spy satellites, drones, and anti-air missiles. Pyongyang confirmed troop deployments in April 2025, framing them as support for Russia’s Kursk region efforts.
Recent Diplomacy: Beijing Summit with Putin and Xi
Earlier in September 2025, Kim attended China’s massive military parade in Beijing marking the 80th anniversary of Japan’s WWII surrender—the first time he, Xi Jinping, and Vladimir Putin appeared together publicly. Kim held bilateral talks with both leaders, vowing closer ties.
- With Putin: Kim pledged “full support” for Russia’s military as a “fraternal duty,” praising North Korean soldiers’ bravery.
- With Xi: The leaders agreed to deepen strategic coordination, with Xi calling for enhanced global and regional cooperation. This was their first summit in six years.
The event showcased unity among the three nations amid Western sanctions, with Xi warning of a global choice between “peace or war.” U.S. President Donald Trump criticized the gathering as a “conspiracy” against America.
Domestic Celebrations and Broader Implications
Kim held a photo session in Pyongyang with contributors in labor and other fields. Celebrations featured evening galas and fireworks at Kim Il Sung Square.
Kim’s address and recent diplomacy signal North Korea’s alignment with Russia and China, bolstering its nuclear and military posture.
This could escalate tensions in Asia-Pacific, especially as Pyongyang tests advanced rocket engines post-Beijing. Experts view the troop deployments and alliances as a transactional exchange, with North Korea gaining tech amid high human costs.
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