During a memorial ceremony in Russia's Kursk region, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un praised soldiers who died by suicide while fighting alongside Russian forces against the Ukrainian army. He acknowledged that North Korea had sent an estimated 14,000 troops to the region, with more than 6,000 soldiers reportedly killed in action. Kim referred to these soldiers as 'heroes' and emphasized their sacrifice, stating that their actions were a testament to their loyalty and patriotism. This marks the first time Kim has publicly recognized such extreme measures taken by soldiers in combat. Furthermore, a report from the Seoul-based Institute for National Security Strategy indicated that North Korea could have profited between $7.67 billion and $14.4 billion from military support to Russia, including troop deployments and arms exports. This financial gain underscores the strategic alliance between North Korea and Russia amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.