![North Korean leader Kim Jong-un presented commendations to commanders and soldiers of the country’s military unit that recently returned from deployment in Russia, the state-run Rodong Sinmun reported on August 21. [YONHAP]](https://www.koreadailyus.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/0822-KimJongun-2.jpg)
The Rodong Sinmun reported on August 21 that Kim met with senior commanders of the Korean People’s Army (KPA) overseas operations unit at the headquarters of the ruling Workers’ Party to prepare for a national award ceremony.
At the meeting, Kim received a detailed report on military activities conducted in the operational area and commended the commanders for leading the troops during what he called the “liberation operation” in Russia’s Kursk region.
![North Korean leader Kim Jong-un consoled bereaved family members of soldiers from the country’s military unit that recently returned from deployment in Russia, the state-run Rodong Sinmun reported on August 21. [YONHAP]](https://www.koreadailyus.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/0822-KimJongun-3.jpg)
“Saying that the country assigned them and their combat units to carry out the most important duty, Kim conveyed warm militant encouragement to all the commanding officers and the combatants of the units who participated in the operations for liberating Kursk to display boundless loyalty to the trust of the country with legendary military merits,” the Rodong Sinmun reported.
The newspaper also published photos showing Kim smiling, embracing and speaking with the commanders. Among those pictured were Kim Yong-bok, vice chief of the KPA General Staff, and Ri Chang-ho, deputy chief of staff and director of the Reconnaissance General Bureau, both of whom oversaw the troops deployed to Russia.
The paper announced that a national commendation ceremony will take place at the Workers’ Party Central Committee headquarters for the officers and soldiers who achieved “immortal feats” in overseas military operations, recognizing those who distinguished themselves on the Russian front.
![North Korean leader Kim Jong-un met with commanders of the country’s military unit recently returned from deployment in Russia, the state-run Rodong Sinmun reported on August 21. [YONHAP]](https://www.koreadailyus.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/0822-KimJongun-4.jpg)
Last month, North Korea released images of Kim attending a repatriation ceremony for fallen soldiers of the expeditionary force, where he was seen kneeling and appearing emotional in front of flag-draped coffins.
Now, by holding an official awards ceremony for those recognized for their achievements in Kursk, North Korea appears intent on reinforcing the legitimacy and outcomes of the controversial deployment.
Experts suggest the move is part of a broader effort to stabilize public opinion following the dispatch and highlight Kim’s direct involvement and leadership in the Russian deployment and the Kursk operation.
![North Korean leader Kim Jong-un paid tribute to fallen soldiers from the country’s military unit that recently returned from deployment in Russia, the state-run Rodong Sinmun reported on August 21. [YONHAP]](https://www.koreadailyus.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/0822-KimJongun-1.jpg)
“In battlefield situations, commanders directly affect a unit’s combat effectiveness, so bringing them back home to attend the commendation ceremony is an unusual decision,” said Oh Gyeong-seob, a senior research fellow at the Korea Institute for National Unification.
“Given that U.S. President Donald Trump is reportedly mediating talks between Russia and Ukraine, North Korea may also be trying to emphasize the achievements of its deployment and gain firsthand insight into the on-site atmosphere,” Oh added.
