On the evening of February 25, North Korea staged a grand military parade in the heart of Pyongyang, showcasing troops proudly identified as “Kursk veterans.”
These soldiers are allegedly those who fought alongside Russian forces in their ongoing conflict against Ukraine, a claim that has sparked fierce condemnation from Ukrainian officials.
The parade was not merely an exhibition of military might; it highlighted special operations forces and engineering units that are said to have actively participated in combat operations within Russia’s Kursk region amidst the brutal backdrop of war.
This event coincided with the 9th Congress of the Workers’ Party of Korea, the nation’s principal political entity, underscoring its importance and symbolic significance.
They may appear proud, yet there is nothing to be proud of,” Foreign Ministry spokesman Heorhiy Tykhyi wrote on X.
“What is missing from this propaganda charade are at least 6,000 North Korean soldiers who did not march in Pyongyang that day. They croaked in an illegal war of aggression 8,000 kilometers away, which they had nothing to do with,” he said.
“It is critical for the entire world to realize that Kim does not supply this cannon fodder for free; in exchange, he receives concrete and dangerous support from Putin,” he wrote.
VIDEO: North Korean special operations forces and demining troops who fought in Russia's Kursk region march with a Russian flag through Pyongyang during a military parade marking the conclusion of the Ninth Party Congress on Wednesday night.
Details: https://t.co/K7fLRJYyyi pic.twitter.com/dCecqNsqC3
— NK NEWS (@nknewsorg) February 26, 2026
As throngs of soldiers marched through the streets of the capital, they carried the Russian tricolour flag—a powerful gesture that analysts have described as a significant symbol of solidarity between Pyongyang and Moscow. This display of camaraderie came under fire from Kyiv, whose officials decried the parade as a blatant propaganda stunt designed to showcase military cooperation and deepen ties between the two nations.
In the context of the ongoing conflict, Ukraine has repeatedly accused North Korea of supplying essential military assistance, including ammunition, to Russia since the onset of the invasion. Over the past few years, Moscow and Pyongyang have bolstered their diplomatic and military alliances, even though the specifics of any direct North Korean troop involvement remain largely unverified.
The honouring of these alleged combat veterans at such a prominent event underscores a more pronounced alignment between the leadership of North Korea and Russia. Concerns have also been voiced by Western governments regarding possible weapon transfers from North Korea to Russia, coupled with an increase in military training cooperation that may involve reciprocal technological or economic benefits.
To date, Russian and North Korean officials have not detailed the extent of their joint combat operations. However, should reports of North Korean personnel participating in combat operations on Russian soil be verified, it would signify a major turning point in the internationalisation of this conflict.
Observers suggest that this meticulously orchestrated parade serves a dual purpose: internally, it reinforces the strength and prestige of the regime, while externally, it sends a clear message of a strategic partnership with Moscow, strengthening their united front on the global stage.
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