North Korean leader Kim Jong Un promised a “beautiful life” for the families of soldiers who died fighting for Russia in Ukraine, state media reported on Saturday. He praised the bereaved for the heroism of their sons and husbands.

On Friday, Kim hosted the families of the fallen, expressing “grief at having failed to save the precious lives” of those who sacrificed themselves to defend the country’s honour, according to KCNA.

“The heroic feats of the soldiers and officers were possible because of the strength and courage given to them by families who are the most tenacious, patriotic and just people in the world,” Kim told parents, wives, and children, KCNA reported.

“They did not write even a short letter to me, but I think they must have entrusted their families, including those beloved children, to me,” he added. “The country will provide you with a beautiful life in the country defended at the cost of the lives of the martyrs.”

State television showed Kim bowing deeply to family members who appeared overcome with emotion.

The meeting follows earlier recognition of North Korean troops who reportedly suffered heavy casualties in Russia’s Kursk region, which borders Ukraine. In April, Kim and Russian President Vladimir Putin acknowledged the deployment after months of silence.

A 25-minute documentary aired on state television on Saturday included footage of soldiers participating in “Operation Kursk Liberation,” aimed at driving Ukrainian forces from the Russian region. Reuters could not independently verify the footage.

The film revealed that Kim authorised the deployment in August, two months after signing a mutual defence treaty with Putin.

Kim is scheduled to join Putin in China next week for a military parade marking Japan’s surrender in World War Two. The event will mark their third meeting in two years, highlighting a growing military alliance.

The scale of North Korea’s deployment and casualties remains unclear.

South Korea’s intelligence agency estimates around 600 of the 15,000 deployed troops have died, while some Western intelligence sources suggest the toll could exceed 6,000.

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