What is Kim Jong Un’s ‘self-destruct’ policy for North Korean soldiers in Ukraine?

WorldPolitics
28 Apr 2026 • 8:56 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

What is Kim Jong Un’s ‘self-destruct’ policy for North Korean soldiers in Ukraine?

  • North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has publicly confirmed that his soldiers are instructed to commit suicide on the battlefield to avoid capture by Ukrainian forces.
  • This acknowledgement came during the inauguration of a memorial museum in Pyongyang dedicated to North Korean troops killed while fighting in Russia's war against Ukraine.
  • An estimated 15,000 North Korean soldiers have been deployed to support Russian combat operations, with nearly 2,000 reportedly killed.
  • Kim Jong Un praised the 'extraordinary heroism' of troops who chose 'self-blasting, suicide attack' to defend their country's honour.
  • North Korea and Russia are set to sign a new military cooperation agreement for 2027-2031, further cementing their defence ties amidst Pyongyang's ongoing missile tests and increased nuclear activities.

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