North Korea opens a housing district for families of its soldiers killed in Russia-Ukraine war : NPR
In this photo provided by the North Korean government, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, second from right, attends a completion ceremony for the new street, called Saeppyol Street, in Pyongyang, North Korea, Sunday, Feb. 15, 2026. Independent journalists were not granted access to cover the event depicted in this image distributed by the North Korean government. The content of this image is as provided and cannot be independently verified.
Korean Central News Agency/Korea News Service/AP
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SEOUL, South Korea — North Korea said Monday it has completed construction of a new housing complex in Pyongyang for the families of North Korean soldiers killed while fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine, leader Kim Jong Un’s latest effort to honor the war dead.
State media photos showed Kim Jong Un walking down the new street – called Saeppyol Street – and visiting the homes of some families with his increasingly important daughter, said to be named Kim Ju Ae, as he pledged to repay “young martyrs” who “sacrificed everything for their homeland”.
In recent months, North Korea has stepped up its propaganda glorifying troops deployed to fight in Russia’s war against Ukraine, such as establishing a memorial wall and building a museum. Analysts see it as an effort to strengthen internal unity and reduce potential public discontent.
In recent months, Kim has sent thousands of troops and large quantities of military equipment, including artillery and missiles, to fuel Russian President Vladimir Putin’s war against Ukraine, as the leaders align over their separate clashes with Washington.
FILE – In this photo provided by the North Korean government, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, center left, and his daughter, center right, arrive at the East Pyongyang Grand Theater in Pyongyang, North Korea, June 29, 2025. Independent journalists were not given access to cover the event depicted in this image distributed by the North Korean government. The content of this image is as provided and cannot be independently verified.
Korean Central News Agency/Korea News Service/AP
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Korean Central News Agency/Korea News Service/AP
South Korea’s National Intelligence Service told lawmakers last week that it estimated 6,000 North Korean troops had been killed or wounded during their deployment in the war, but did not provide details of the death toll. The agency said last year it estimated about 600 people had died.
The intelligence agency believes North Korean forces are gaining modern combat experience and Russian technical support that could improve the performance of their weapons systems, according to lawmakers who attended last week’s closed-door briefing.
The construction of the new street comes as North Korea prepares to open a major ruling party congress later this month, during which Kim is expected to announce his main domestic and foreign policy goals for the next five years and take further steps to strengthen his control.
