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Kim Jong Un endorses self-blast policy for soldiers to avoid capture at Pyongyang memorial
Kim Jong Un confirmed a policy requiring soldiers to commit suicide on the battlefield to avoid capture, praising those who self-blasted during Russia's war in Ukraine. He spoke at a memorial in Pyongyang for Koreans who died in Ukraine, describing the acts as heroic and noting no expectation of compensation. The article also notes ongoing North Korea–Russia military cooperation, troop and weapons support, and prior missile tests.
Why It Matters
The remarks signal a hardening stance on battlefield conduct and reinforce North Korea's close alignment with Russia, with implications for warfare ethics, treatment of prisoners, and regional security dynamics.
Timeline
3 Events
Memorial speech in Pyongyang announcing self-blast policy
April 28, 2026
Kim Jong Un spoke at a Pyongyang ceremony to inaugurate a memorial for North Koreans who died in Ukraine, praising soldiers who self-blasted as heroes who defended the great honor and said they did not expect compensation, adding that they died a heroic death. He cited reports by Ukrainian intelligence and a captured North Korean soldier alleging that NK troops in Ukraine were ordered to kill themselves to avoid capture. The speech also referenced estimates that Pyongyang has sent at least 10,000 soldiers and tens of thousands of containers of weapons to Russia, and noted ongoing weapons tests including short-range missiles such as Hwasong-11 (KN-23/KN-24).
Hwasong-11 missile tests (KN-23/KN-24)
April 2026
Earlier this month, Pyongyang said it tested multiple Hwasong-11 missiles (KN-23/KN-24), a short-range missile type Ukraine has said Pyongyang supplied to Moscow for use in its war against Kyiv.
Signing of mutual defense pact with Russia
2024
Kim Jong Un signed a military pact with Russian President Vladimir Putin in 2024 that included a mutual defense provision.