Kim paid public tribute to North Korean soldiers killed in Russia’s war against Ukraine, part of an effort to cement the two countries’ strategic defense pact.

At an event marking the anniversary of the military pact between Pyongyang and Moscow, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un was shown mourning soldiers killed fighting for Russia against Ukraine.

North Korea's state media showed on Monday leader Kim Jong Un draping coffins with the national flag in what appeared to be the repatriation of soldiers killed fighting for Russia against Ukraine, as the countries marked a landmark military treaty.