Has North Korea Built Homes for Families of Soldiers Fallen in the Russia-Ukraine Conflict?
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Seoul, Feb 16 (NationPress) North Korea has constructed new residences in Pyongyang for the families mourning the loss of North Korean soldiers who perished during the Russia-Ukraine conflict, according to reports from state media on Monday.
The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) stated that North Korean leader Kim Jong-un was present at the inauguration of the newly named Saeppyol Street on Sunday, joined by his daughter Ju-ae and other officials.
During his remarks at the event, Kim highlighted that the new street "has been established due to the fervent wish of our motherland that hopes the precious lives of its remarkable sons, who defended the most sacred values by sacrificing their most cherished possessions, will endure eternally."
Referring to the street as "a symbol of honor for our generation and a source of pride for Pyongyang and our state," he noted it serves as a tribute to "the bereaved families of the fallen soldiers and other combatants, as well as the engineers deployed to overseas military missions."
He further assured that "the Party and the government will implement every necessary measure to ensure these families lead a dignified life while receiving preferential treatment from the state and the affection of society at large," as reported by the KCNA.
Following his speech and cutting the ribbon to signify the street's completion, Kim visited the homes of several families to provide solace, as reported by Yonhap news agency.
In August of the previous year, Kim announced plans to create this neighborhood, emphasizing memorial services for the soldiers dispatched abroad, as part of an effort to legitimize North Korea's involvement in Moscow's conflict against Ukraine and to strengthen domestic support.
The report failed to disclose the number of residences that were constructed for these families.
In accordance with a mutual defense agreement with Russia, North Korea deployed approximately 14,000 soldiers in 2024 to support Russian forces in Ukraine, where over 6,000 of them reportedly lost their lives, as indicated by South Korean, Ukrainian, and Western sources.