North Korean leader Kim Jong Un urged his military to prepare for “real war” during an artillery contest, state media reported Thursday. Kim’s remarks come after North Korea deployed troops and weapons to support Russia. This support has been ongoing throughout Russia’s three-year offensive in Ukraine.
State-run Korea Central Television aired footage on Thursday showing artillery units firing shells into the sea. Footage showed Kim observing the contest through binoculars, flanked by two military officials. However, the location of Wednesday’s contest remains undisclosed.
Kim urged soldiers to be ready for “real war” at any time and capable of “destroying the enemy in every battle,” according to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).
North Korea’s Involvement in Russia’s War
South Korean and Western intelligence agencies report that Pyongyang sent over 10,000 soldiers to Russia’s Kursk region last year. They also provided artillery shells, missiles, and long-range rocket systems.
Seoul reports that around 600 North Korean soldiers have died and thousands more have been wounded while fighting for Russia.
During recent talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, Kim pledged full support for Moscow’s war in Ukraine, according to state media.
Last year, the two heavily sanctioned nations signed a military deal. This agreement includes a mutual defense clause and was signed during a rare visit by Russian President Vladimir Putin to Pyongyang.
