North Korean leader Kim Jong Un opened a street full of newly completed residential apartments for the families of soldiers who were killed during their participation in the Russian war on Ukraine, according to what the Korean Central News Agency reported Monday, accompanying the report with pictures showing him accompanied by his daughter. North Korea has sent thousands of soldiers to support the Russian invasion of Ukraine, which has been ongoing for nearly four years, according to South Korean and Western intelligence agencies.

Published on: 02/16/2026 - 10:06

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un inaugurated on Monday a residential complex dedicated to families who lost members in the war waged by Russia against Ukraine.

“The new street was built thanks to the fervent desire of our nation, which wishes that... its excellent sons, who defended the most sacred things by sacrificing their most precious possessions, live forever,” Kim said in a speech published by the agency.

"Unconditional support"

The KCNA report on Monday did not mention Russia, but Kim Jong Un pledged earlier this week "unconditional support" for all of Russian President Vladimir Putin's policies and decisions.

"Before their death, the heroic martyrs must have imagined in their minds their dear families living in the ever-prosperous country," he said.

Photos published by the news agency show Kim touring the new homes built for families on Sebeul Street, accompanied by his daughter, Jo Ae, who is widely believed to be his successor.

One photo shows Kim speaking with what appear to be family members of a soldier killed in battle, on a sofa, with his daughter standing behind them. Other photos also show families checking out the facilities in their new apartments.

"A calculated political move"

For his part, Hong Min, an analyst at the Korea Institute for National Unification, said that the timing of the opening of the street is “a carefully calculated political move to justify sending soldiers” before the party conference scheduled for the end of this month.

He added that this "depicts the state providing tangible compensation to the families of fallen soldiers... as a symbolic offer."

It is noteworthy that North Korea sent thousands of soldiers to support the Russian invasion of Ukraine, which has been ongoing for nearly four years, according to South Korean and Western intelligence agencies. According to South Korean estimates, about two thousand of them were killed.

Analysts say that in return, North Korea receives financial aid, military technology, food and energy supplies from Russia.

France 24/AFP

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